Republic Day 2023: From chief guest to drone show; things to look out for at this year’s celebrations

From the largest drone show in India to a finale featuring singer Kailash Kher, India is set to witness a grand celebration on Republic Day 2023 that will put on display the nation’s cultural diversity.

Chief Guest:

Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi is the chief guest for Republic Day 2023, and a 120-member Egyptian contingent will also march on Kartavaya Path.

Military Tattoo and Tribal Sance Festival:

The celebration will begin with a military tattoo and tribal dance festival, organised around the theme ‘Aadi-Shaurya - Parv Parakram ka’ held at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium on January 23-24. The Republic Day will witness 10 military tattoo performances and 20 tribal dances. The defence ministry and tribal affairs ministry are jointly organising the event, with the Indian Coast Guard being the coordinating agency.

Traditional Dances and Military Showcase:

The traditional dance forms to be exhibited during the R-Day celebration are Gaurr Maria, Siddi Dhamal, Baiga Pardhoni, Purulia, Bagurumba, Ghusadi, Balti, Lambadi, Paika, Gaddi Nati, Rathwa, Budigali, Songimukhawate, Karma, Mangho, Ka Shad Mastieh, among others.

India’s armed forces will put on display its skills through Horse Show, Khukuri Dance, Gatka, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Thang-ta, Motorcycle Display, Air Warrior Drill, Navy Band and martial arts. Around 20 tribal dance troupes from across the country are set to perform during the military tattoo event.

“Over 1,200 performers are fine tuning their art forms daily in rehearsals with their unique and colourful costumes, headdresses, musical instruments and rhythmic dance beats. Approximately 60,000 spectators are expected to attend the event.,” the defense ministry said.

R-Day and Technology:

This Republic Day, people will see India’s biggest drone show, as 3,500 indigenous UAVs will light up the evening sky over Raisina Hills.

The drones will feature national figures and events through precise synchronisation in a bid to depict the country’s start-up ecosystem and the technological prowess of the youth. The event will be organised by Botlabs Dynamics.

In a unique initiative, a 3-D anamorphic projection will be organised during the ‘Beating the Retreat’ ceremony.

Vande Bharatam 2.0:

Displaying the theme of ‘Nari Shakti’, 503 dancers will display a magnificent cultural show during the R-Day parade. These dancers were selected by a jury from the grand finale of the Vande Bharatam dance competition, which was held in New Delhi on December 19-20, and witnessed the participation of 980 dancers.

Also Read: Republic Day 2022: History and significance about 26th Jan