‘Vande Mataram’ Comes Alive as 2,500 Artistes Paint a Picture of India’s Unity at Republic Day Parade
Kartavya Path in New Delhi turned into a vibrant canvas of colour, rhythm, and cultural harmony on Monday as nearly 2,500 artistes from across the country came together during the 77th Republic Day parade to perform on the national song Vande Mataram, the central theme of this year’s celebrations.
Dressed in traditional attire representing various states, performers showcased a rich blend of classical and folk dance forms, transforming the ceremonial boulevard into a living symbol of India’s unity in diversity.
Each group brought its unique artistic expression, weaving together traditions from different regions into one powerful performance that celebrated the nation’s cultural heritage.
For many of the artists, the experience was nothing short of unforgettable. Performing before Prime Minister Narendra Modi, visiting foreign dignitaries, and prominent national figures was a dream realised after weeks of rigorous preparation.
Beyond the grand performance, their stay in Delhi leading up to Republic Day offered moments and memories they said would remain with them forever.
A group of around ten students from Maharaja Sayajirao University in Vadodara, Gujarat, spent nearly 25 days rehearsing for the event.
All undergraduate students in performing arts specialise in Bharatanatyam, a classical dance form that most have been practising for several years.
Despite the brief duration of their segment, the students admitted they were nervous and wanted every movement to be perfect.
“We practised intensively even though our performance was short. We wanted to give our best,” said Divya Patel, Assistant Professor in the university’s Performing Arts department.
Rehearsals brought their own moments of excitement.
Several students spoke about watching fighter jets roar across the sky in formation during practice sessions.
“We may not have seen the entire parade today from the ground, but during rehearsals, the jet formations left us completely amazed,” one student shared.
From Assam, 20-year-old Disha Handique and her group of six performed Sattriya, one of the state’s classical dance traditions.
Students of Srimanta Sankaradeva University in Guwahati, they had been preparing for nearly 12 days. Handique expressed admiration for the diversity of performances around her.
“Every group was so beautiful in its own way that words are not enough to describe it,” she said. However, she also pointed out the challenges of performing in Delhi’s environment.
“The experience was incredible, but the air quality here feels very different. It made some of us feel uneasy after arriving.”
Meanwhile, artistes from Chhattisgarh took pride in presenting their traditional bamboo dance, ‘Gedi’, also known as the bamboo dance. For them, participating in the parade was proof that their folk art continues to thrive.
The group of 35 dancers from Bilaspur included both seasoned performers and newcomers, some of whom have been practising the dance for decades. Their rehearsals began on January 6, starting early every morning at 7:30 am.
“The last three days of rehearsals at Kartavya Path were the most thrilling. This is the best experience of my life. My parents are extremely proud,” said 20-year-old Priyanshu Bhaskar.
Another dancer highlighted how the event provided a rare platform to showcase their culture. “Our costumes are completely handmade and take around 12 days to prepare. Being here gives our folk dance visibility and respect.”
A group from Manipur also marked a special milestone by performing in Delhi for the first time. “It’s my first visit to the capital and my first Republic Day performance here.
It feels surreal,” said Paolam Janet, 23, who, like others in her group, is pursuing a diploma in dance.
For some, the trip offered not just cultural exchange but also lighthearted memories beyond the parade grounds. Elina, 24, another member of the Manipur group, fondly recalled visiting Sarojini Nagar, Delhi’s popular flea market.
“We were given a few free hours between 11 am and 3 pm, and we would rush there every time. I’ve brought back so many clothes,” she laughed.
Together, the performances stood as a moving tribute to India’s cultural diversity, youthful energy, and shared pride — all coming together under the rhythm of Vande Mataram on one of the nation’s most significant days.