Republic Day Parade 2023: Missed Live Show? Relive Magical Moments, Celebrations in Photos

The people watching the parade were thrilled at the stunning show of courage in the Indian motorcycle display and air show which marked the end of the parade.

President Droupadi Murmu arrived at the venue accompanied by Chief Guest Abdel Fattah El-Sisi the President of Egypt. President Murmu unfurled the national flag which was followed by the customary 21 Gun Salute.

Notably, it was for the first time that the 21 Gun Salute was given with 105 mm Indian Field Guns. It replaced the vintage 25-pounder gun.The parade commenced with a march by a contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces. 

For the first time, an Egyptian Army contingent led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy marched on Kartavya Path.The contingents marched at the Kartavya Path depicting utmost discipline of the Indian forces. 

Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, a recipient of Ati Vishisth Seva Medal, marching down the ceremonial boulevard, followed by the Parade Second-in-Command, Major General Bhavnish Kumar.

The proud winners of the highest gallantry awards -- the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra -- followed the Parade Commander. Subedar Major (Honorary Capt) Bana Singh, Param Vir Chakra (Retd), 8 JAK LI Subedar Major (Honorary Capt) Yogender Singh Yadav, Param Vir Chakra, 18 GRENADIERS (Retd) Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, Param Vir Chakra, 13 JAK RIF.

The Param Vir Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous act of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. The Ashok Chakra is awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy. The Ashoka Chakra awardees include Maj Gen CA Pithawalla, Ashok Chakra (Retd), Colonel D Sreeram Kumar, Ashok Chakra, Lt Col Jas Ram Singh, Ashok Chakra (Retd).

For the first time, women riders on their decorated camels followed by the `CARAVAN` participated in the Republic Day Parade 2023 showcasing the theme of empowerment of Indian women in various fields. 

The Naval Contingent of 144 young sailors led by Lt Cdr Disha Amrith as Contingent Commander and Lt Ashwani Singh, Sub Lt Priyanka Sharma and Sub Lt M Aditya as Platoon Commanders. 

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased one tableau and equipment. The theme of the tableau was "Securing Nation with Effective Surveillance, Communication and Neutralising Threats". 

The naval tableau, designed on the theme 'Indian Navy - Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof', showcased the multi-dimensional capabilities of the force, "Nari Shakti" and key indigenously designed and built assets under "aatmanirbhar bharat", officials said. At the Republic Day parade in the national capital on Thursday, 23 tableaux -- 17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries and departments -- rolled down the Kartavya Path showing a plethora of cultures from across the country and bringing the boulevard alive with song and dance.

Shallow fog lowered visibility at the Kartavya Path on Thursday as spectators strained their eyes to watch aerial manoeuvres by a battery of 50 aircraft that flew in different formations. The military assets which were displayed during the parade included made-in-India equipment, showing the spirit of "aatmanirbhar bharat", officials said.

With 'Nari Shakti' being the theme, the Akash weapon system display had Lt Chetana Sharma at the forefront. The marching contingents from the Army included one each from the mechanised infantry, the Dogra Regiment, the Punjab Regiment, the Maratha Light Infantry, the Bihar Regiment and the Gorkha Brigade. A camel band from the Border Security Force also took part in the parade.

The Republic Day celebrations were held on the revamped Central Vista avenue and was the first at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was renamed to Kartavya Path last year. Lt Commander Disha Amrith, a woman naval air operations official posted at a strategic base, led the Indian Navy's contingent of 144 young sailors.

Indian Army's Lethality, Accuracy and Reliability witnessed a leap with the acquisition of platforms like Akash Missile System, satellites, Modular Bridges, towed guns, utility helicopters, electronic warfare system and the likes of surface-to-air missiles. This year, only Made-in-India weapon systems were showcased at the Republic Day parade including ammunition showcased India's indigenization power, including 21 Gun Salute through 'Made in India' 105 mm Indian Field Guns, recently inducted LCH Prachand, the K-9 Vajra howitzers, MBT Arjun, Nag anti-tank guided missiles, Akash air defence missiles, and the Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles.

Indigenously-developed Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), a modular 8X8 wheeled combat platform, carried on a 70-ton trailer was displayed by the DRDO. Three Param Vir Chakra awardees and three Ashok Chkara awardees also took part in the parade, and a "veterans' tableau" with the theme -- "Towards India's Amrit Kaal with a Resolve of Veterans' Commitment" was also part of it.

The Indian Air Force contingent comprising 144 air warriors and four officers, was led by Sqn Ldr Sindhu Reddy. The air force tableau, designed on the theme "Indian Air Force Power Beyond Boundaries", displayed a rotating globe highlighting IAF's expanded reach, whereby it has been able to provide humanitarian assistance across borders, as also exercises conducted with friendly countries.

A group of "Shramyogis" involved in the construction of the Central Vista, the Kartavya Path, the new Parliament Building along with milk, vegetable and street vendors were specially invited for the parade.

A total of 23 tableaux - 17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries and departments -- depicting India's vibrant cultural heritage, economic and social progress took part in the ceremonial parade with 'Nari Shakti' as the theme for majority of the floats. The notable thing was that the marching contingent, for the very first time in history, consisted of three women and six male Agniveers. The Parade concluded with the National Anthem.Republic Day celebrations, however, will continue and culminate on January 30, observed as Martyrs` Day.