New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, alongside her French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, graced the majestic Kartavaya Path for the 75th Republic Day celebrations in a traditional horse-drawn buggy. Accompanied by men in striking red uniforms atop majestic horses, this practice made a splendid comeback after a hiatus of 40 years.
As they arrived at Kartavaya Path, the national flag unfurled, resonating with the national anthem and a resounding 21-gun salute delivered by the indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns heralded the commencement of the Republic Day parade.
The presidential buggy, last used in Republic Day functions until 1984, has been reintroduced after a gap of several decades. Its use was discontinued following the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi due to security concerns, leading to presidents opting for limousines.
The horse-drawn buggy, adorned with gold-plated rims, boasts exceptional comfort and has a historical legacy. Previously used by the Viceroy during the pre-independence era, it later found its place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
In tandem with preserving a 250-year-old legacy, the President’s Bodyguard, standing as the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army, upholds a timeless bond with horses. Dressed in unique Napoleon boots, the regiment, through its one-of-a-kind gallop, renews a proud tradition during the Republic Day Parade—a spectacle truly befitting the occasion.
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