New Delhi: As India celebrates the 74th Republic Day on Thursday, Uttar Pradesh's tableau at the Republic Day parade showcases the three-day Deepotsava celebrated in Ayodhya.
According to the theme, the tableau comprises a large idol of sage Vashishtha, the family Guru of Lord Ram, a large replica of a lamp symbolising the end of ignorance and the spreading of the light of knowledge features in the front. The middle portion replicates Ayodhya decked up to welcome Lord Ram on his arrival after an exile of 14 years.
Deepotsava being organised since 2017 in the state. Lighting, Saryu Aarti, decoration and illumination of lamps are done in major temples and monasteries in Ayodhya during this event.
In 2017, UP created a Guinness World Record by lighting 1.71 lakh lamps on Ram IC Paidi. In 2022, again a record was created by lighting more than 15 lakh lamps. Year after year Ayodhya Deepotsav is creating records. This unique tradition is a pious and divine effort to reach the whole world and the entire human race with the message of a harmonious society by abolishing negativity and enmity.
The state of Karnataka is showing the exceptional achievements of three women from Karnataka during the Republic Day Parade 2023. Karnataka's tableau carries the message of 'Nari Shakti' on its shoulder. Sulagitti Narasamma, a midwife, Tulsi Gowda Halakki also known as 'Vruksha Maate' (Mother of Trees), and Salumarada Thimmakka are the three women that are being honoured by Karnataka in its tableau.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial (NWM) on Thursday morning before participating in the 74th Republic Day celebrations. PM Modi was received by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on his arrival.
The Inter Services Guards were founded by 7 Soldiers from each service. This year, the guards will be commanded by an Air Force Officer, Sqn Ldr Akash Ganghas. When PM Modi laid the wreath, the Inter-Services Guards presented `Salami Shastra' followed by 'Shok Shastra'. Simultaneously, the buglers sounded the 'Last Post'.
Thereafter, 'two minutes silence' was observed, after which the buglers played 'Rouse' and the guards presented 'Salami Shastra' again. The Prime Minister then endorsed his remarks in the digital Visitor's Book of the National War Memorial. Later, PM Modi and other dignitaries headed to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the Republic Day parade.
President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day from Kartavya Path, formerly the Raj Path. This year's Republic Day celebration shall witness zeal, enthusiasm, as PM Modi envisioned. President Droupadi Murmu will lead the Nation in celebrating Republic Day from Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26, 2023.