Republic Day 2024: After 40 years, Chief guest Macron arrives in horse-drawn ‘buggy’ for parade

Republic Day 2024 parade Draupadi Murmu Emmanuel Macron Chief Guest on Buggy

Republic Day 2024 parade news: For the first time after 40 years, the horse-drawn ‘buggy’ made a comeback on Republic Day 2024. President Droupadi Murmu and her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron traveled to the Kartavya Path for the Republic Day parade in the traditional carriage.

Along with the traditional ‘buggy’, there were men in striking red uniforms atop majestic horses while the buggy was escorted by the President’s Bodyguard — ‘Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak’. It is pertinent to mention that the President’s Bodyguard is the senior Regiment of the Indian Army. 

This year, Republic Day is special for this elite Regiment as the ‘Angrakshak’ has fulfilled 250 years of service since it was raised in 1773.

The main ceremony of Republic Day 2024 kicked off at 10.30 am. On the other hand,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the National War Memorial to pay tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath after which the Prime Minister and other dignitaries headed to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to be part of the R-Day parade.

French President Emmanuel Macron is the chief guest at the Republic Day 2024 parade, which showcased India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, and progress; its military prowess on the back of increasing indigenous capabilities, and the growing Nari Shakti, as per the central government.

The R-Day parade is based on the twin themes of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat – Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India- the mother of democracy). 

Yet another first was that the parade was heralded by over 100 women artists playing Indian musical instruments. Similarly, this year marked the maiden participation of an all-women Tri-Service contingent marching down the Kartavya Path. Simultaneously, the women pilots also enthralled the audience during the Fly-past, representing women's power.