With the armed forces of the nation putting up a spectacular show of their military might and the various representatives of the states showcasing their rich culture, the Republic Day parade is a vibrant and vigorous event.

On January 26, every year, millions of people all over India wake up to celebrate Republic Day, to commemorate the day when India adopted the Constitution and became a democracy in 1950. While the country witnessed its first spectacular parade in 1950 at Irwin Stadium (now National Stadium) in New Delhi, from 1955, the centre point of the parade has been Rajpath in the national capital. This year, the Republic Day parade will see the newly inducted Chinook heavy lift and Apache attack helicopters. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will put on display models of five systems, including the Rafale fighter aircraft. Meanwhile, the Army parade will showcase the Dhanush artillery gun that was incorporated last year. 

During the Republic Day celebrations, flag hoisting ceremonies are organised and armed forces and school children march in parades in different parts of the country. The grandest of these parades is held at Rajpath in New Delhi. It is a spectacular and an awe-inspiring event that is presided over by the President of the country, who is escorted by bodyguards seated atop horses. Later, the Prime Minister lays a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate as a tribute to those who gave their lives for the country. The President hoists the national flag amidst a backdrop of 21-gun salutes and the national anthem. After this, important awards like Paramvir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Children's National Bravery Award are given by the President.

At the beginning of the parade, winners of gallantry awards salute the President in open military jeeps that are followed by majestic tanks, various missiles and other arsenals of the Indian army. Following close behind is the marchpast of different regiments of the armed forces, police, Home Guards and National Cadet Corps. The President of India, being the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. After a stunning show of the country's might, the rich cultural heritage of India is displayed in a vibrant parade comprising tableaux from different states that move at a speed of 5 km/hr so people can watch them thoroughly. Various cultural dances are also performed by school children. The parade is concluded by a daredevil motorcycle show and a flypast by Indian Air Force fighter jets
over Rajpath.
A particular highlight of the parade is the flypast that involves the participation of 41 aircraft. All of these take off from different centres of the Air Force but still arrive on Rajpath at the same time.

Ever since its inception, the Republic Day parade always hosts a President/ ruler/ Prime Minister from a guest country. The first parade was attended by President of Indonesia Dr Sukarno and this year Jair Bolsonaro, President of Brazil has been invited.