Republic Day 2024: First All-Women Tri-Services Contingent Marches Down Kartavya Path

For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent took part in the event.

The first all-women tri-services contingent on Friday marched down the Kartavya Path on the occasion of 75th Republic Day to showcase Nari Shakti in the country.

For the first time, an all-women tri-services contingent took part in the event. The all-women Tri-Services contingent comprised Agniveers and regular recruits and was led by Captain Sandhya of military police.

148 women soldiers from the core of military police of Indian Army, Navy and Airforce trained under Captain Sandhya for the Republic Day Parade. 

The armed forces displayed an array of home-grown weaponry and military equipment such as missiles, drone jammers, surveillance systems, vehicle-mounted mortars and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles at the parade.

The 75th Republic Day parade was heralded by over 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments such as Sankh, Naadswaram, and Nagada for the first time instead of the traditional military bands. The performance of traditional musical instruments is called 'Avaahan'. Various traditional musical instruments were played by women to "call" the the parade participants to the Kartavya Path. 

Around 15 women pilots also enthralled the audience during the Indian Air Force's fly-past, representing 'Nari Shakti' in the Indian Air Force. 

French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest for this year's parade. He arrived in Jaipur on Thursday, beginning a 2-day visit.

This year's parade, themed 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Bharat - Loktantra ki Matruka', will host approximately 13,000 special guests - an initiative that will allow people from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations and encourage Jan Bhagidari in this national festival.

The Republic Day parade began at 10:30 AM. The ceremony started with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the National War Memorial, where he led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath.

Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries headed to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.