Indian Republic Day 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid the nation homage to fallen heroes. The National War Memorial in New Delhi is part of the Republic Day celebrations. He then proceeded to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path for the parade. President Droupadi Murmu and French President Emmanuel Macron were in attendance, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard.

The event unfolded with the unfurling of the national flag, a 21-gun salute, and a parade featuring various contingents, mechanized columns, and a flypast. A notable segment included an all-women Tri-Services contingent and the BSF Mahila Brass Band, emphasizing “Nari Shakti” or women’s power.

In the Republic Day parade, Uttar Pradesh’s tableau featured an artistic model depicting the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. The tableau showcased a sculpted child from the idol of Lord Ram Lalla. Emphasizing the pran pratishtha or consecration ceremony that occurred in the newly built Ram Janmabhoomi temple on January 22. The ceremony was attended by approximately 8,000 VVIPs from various sections of society, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the rituals.

Meanwhile, Manipur, grappling with ethnic violence, presented a tableau highlighting an Imphal-based women-only market. The display also depicted a woman gathering lotus stems from Loktak Lake. One of the largest water bodies in the northeastern region of the country.

Tableaux from states and Union Territories showcased India’s cultural diversity, with themes like “Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan.” Special attention was given to the accomplishments of women empowerment and the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission by ISRO. Indian Republic Day 2024

A cultural presentation, “Vande Bharatam,” highlighted women’s power with 1,500 female dancers. Featuring diverse dance styles from different states. Daredevil stunts were performed by women personnel of CRPF, BSF, and SSB on motorcycles, showcasing their bravery.

The air show featured 54 aircraft and helicopters, including vintage and modern ones like Tejas, Rafale, and Apache. The Republic Day celebrations concluded with President Murmu and President Macron departing after the parade. Indian Republic Day 2024

This historic 75th Republic Day was marked by various symbolic moments and the participation of Emmanuel Macron as the chief guest.

The Indian government has honored notable individuals with the prestigious Padma Awards. The Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, was bestowed upon former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. Actors Vyjayantimala Bali and Konidela Chiranjeevi, social worker Bindeshwar Pathak (posthumous), and Bharat Natyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam. Actor Mithun Chakraborty received the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest award.

Kiran Nadar, renowned art patron and philanthropist, and Indian squash star Joshna Chinappa were recognized with the Padma Shri. Other recipients of the Padma Bhushan include M Fathima Beevi (Posthumous), Sitaram Jindal, Ram Naik, Pyarelal Sharma, Usha Uthup, and Vijaykanth (posthumous).

The list also includes 34 unsung heroes, such as India’s first woman elephant mahout Parbati Baruah, and tribal environmentalist Chami Murmu. Notable foreign awardees include Foxconn Chairman Young Liu from Taiwan.

This year’s Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, was posthumously awarded to former Bihar CM Karpoori Thakur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to all recipients, emphasizing their diverse contributions across sectors. The Padma Awards, announced annually on Republic Day, recognize outstanding service in various fields. The list includes 30 women, and among the recipients are eight individuals from the foreign, NRI, PIO, and OCI categories, and nine posthumous awardees.

PM Modi’s temple visits laid the foundation for Pran Pratishtha. PM Modi sleeping on the floor in the run-up to the Ram temple ceremony​. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is drowsing on the ground with the simplest blanket and has been consuming the simplest coconut water.

This is a part of the special religious practice for 11 days in the run-up to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ at the Ram temple. PM Modi has also been doing “gau-pooja” as a part of 11-day special ritual. He is likewise feeding cows and has been engaged in numerous paperwork of ‘daan’

PM Modi’s temple visits laid the foundation for Pran Pratishtha.

PM Modi laid the foundation for the Pran Pratishtha through his temple visits.

During his Nashik visit in Maharashtra on January 12, he offered prayers at Ramkund, performing ‘Jal Pujan’ and ‘aarti.’ The Nashik Purohit Sangh president, Satish Shukla, honored him with a traditional ‘pagdi’ (turban). Following rituals at Ramkund, PM Modi sought blessings at the Shree Kalaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Ram, in the Panchvati area. He also visited the historic Veerbhadra Temple.

Later, on January 17, he performed puja and darshan at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Swamy Temple in Kerala’s .Thrissur, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual significance of these visits.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister visited the historic Veerabhadra temple in Andhra Pradesh, known for its significance in the Ramayana with the Jatayu episode.

As per ancient scriptures – The valiant bird king Jatayu, engaged in a brave battle with Ravana to rescue Goddess Sita, descended at Lepakshi after having his wings clipped by the demon king. Discovering Jatayu in a vulnerable state, Lord Rama uttered “Le-Pakshi,” translating to “Oh Bird…Arise” in Telugu. The dying Jatayu conveyed to Lord Ram that Sita was indeed taken south by Ravana, after which he attained Moksha (salvation). This brought about the naming of the area as “Lepakshi.

The UNESCO tentative list of world heritage sites in India for 2022 includes the ancient Lepakshi temple and its colossal Nandi statue. In the days preceding the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the Sri Ranganathaswamy and Lord Ramanathaswamy temples in Tamil Nadu. Mr. Modi donned traditional Tamil attire during his visits to these historic shrines.

During the visit – PM Modi participated in special prayers at the temple situated in Sri Satyasai district. He recited songs praising Lord Ram, listened to Telugu hymns dedicated to the deity, and enjoyed a puppet show depicting the epic Ramayana, featuring characters like Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Ravana. Live visuals of the event were streamed on an official YouTube channel.

On Wednesday, PM Modi visited the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswamy Temple in Kerala’s Thrissur, offering prayers. This visit gains significance as it aligns with the approaching date for the highly anticipated consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya.

In the days leading to the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi – Performed worship at the Sri Ranganathaswamy and Lord Ramanathaswamy temples in Tamil Nadu. His visit began with prayers at the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Sri Rangam, Tiruchirapalli, where he wore traditional Tamil attire. Adorned in a spotless veshti and angavastram, he received a ceremonial welcome and sought blessings at various enclosures dedicated to deities.

Mr. Modi then visited the Lord Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, wearing a rudraksha mala and participating in bhajans. During his visit, he listened to Kamba Ramayan verses, reinforcing the deep connection between Tamil, Tamil Nadu, and Lord Ram. Local officials presented traditional clothes to him, symbolizing the temple’s acknowledgment of his devoutness. The clothes are expected to be taken to the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Simultaneously, Ayodhya geared up for the grand event on January 22, with heightened security and elaborate rituals, including the purification of Lord Ram’s idol. The city resonates with religious fervor, with verses from the Ramayan adorning prominent places and businesses incorporating images of the grand temple on various items, from visiting cards to saffron flags.

In the final stage of his spiritual journey leading to the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya, PM Modi visited the origin point of Ram Setu in Tamil Nadu, known as Arichal Munai. He was seen offering a floral tribute at this sacred site, part of his 11-day pilgrimage to various shrines associated with Lord Ram across the country in preparation for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony.