Republic Day 2025 Highlights: President Murmu and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto depart in a traditional buggy as the parade concludes

Republic Day 2025 Highlights: President Murmu and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Depart in Traditional Buggy as Grand Parade Concludes

The 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi culminated on a majestic note as President Droupadi Murmu and the Chief Guest, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, departed in a beautifully adorned traditional buggy, marking the end of a spectacular parade that showcased India’s cultural diversity, military prowess, and technological advancements.  

The grand event, held at Kartavya Path, was attended by thousands of spectators, including dignitaries, schoolchildren, and citizens from across the country. The parade began with President Murmu unfurling the national flag, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute. The ceremonial highlight was the joint departure of President Murmu and President Subianto in a horse-drawn buggy, a tradition revived to honor India’s rich heritage.  

“The sight of the two leaders in the traditional buggy was truly mesmerizing. It was a perfect blend of history and diplomacy,” said Ramesh Kumar, a Delhi resident who attended the parade.  

The parade featured vibrant tableaux from various states and Union Territories, highlighting India’s cultural tapestry. Themes ranged from tribal art forms to sustainable development initiatives, drawing applause from the audience. The Ministry of Defence’s tableau, showcasing India’s indigenous defense technologies, was a crowd favorite.  

The Indonesian contingent, marching alongside Indian armed forces, added a unique international flavor to the event. This marked the first time an Indonesian military contingent participated in India’s Republic Day parade, symbolizing the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.  

The flypast by the Indian Air Force was another showstopper, with fighter jets, helicopters, and transport aircraft soaring in formation, leaving trails of saffron, white, and green smoke. The grand finale featured the newly inducted Tejas Mk-II aircraft, drawing cheers from the crowd.  

President Subianto, who arrived in India on a three-day state visit, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception. “It is an honor to be part of this historic celebration. India’s unity in diversity is truly inspiring,” he said during a brief interaction with the media.  

As the parade concluded, President Murmu and President Subianto waved to the cheering crowd from the traditional buggy, a moment that encapsulated the spirit of camaraderie and shared values between India and Indonesia.  

The celebrations also included cultural performances by schoolchildren and folk artists, adding a festive touch to the occasion. Security was tight across the capital, with thousands of personnel deployed to ensure a smooth and safe event.  

As the sun set on Kartavya Path, the echoes of patriotic songs and the sight of the tricolor left citizens filled with pride and hope for the future. Republic Day 2025 will be remembered not just for its grandeur but also for the message of unity, progress, and global friendship it conveyed.