In view of the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital on Friday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a forecast predicting ‘partly cloudy sky with light fog in the morning’.

The maximum temperature will be between 18-20 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature will be between 8-10 degrees Celsius.

This year’s Republic Day will be largely ‘women-centric’, with the central theme being India’s democracy and determination to become a developed nation.

For the first time, the parade will be started by 100 women artistes accompanied by Indian musical instruments, Defense Secretary Giridhar Armaane told the news agency on Friday. PTI,

He said that for the first time the parade will also see an all-women tri-service contingent marching on the ceremonial route and contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces will also include women personnel. “This year’s Republic Day parade will see the best-ever representation of women,” the Defense Secretary said.

Another special thing about the 75th Republic Day is that France’s 95-member marching team and 33-member band squad will also participate in the parade.

Aramane said that along with Indian Air Force aircraft, a Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft and two Rafale fighter jets of the French Air Force will participate in the fly-past.

French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. “With the theme ‘Developed India’ and ‘India-Matrika of Democracy’, the 75th Republic Day Parade on the duty path on January 26 will be women-centric,” he said.

In another unique initiative, the Culture Ministry will showcase ‘Anant Sutra – The Endless Thread’ textile installation at Kartavya Path. It will be installed behind the spectators sitting in the enclosures. Anant Sutra is a stunning tribute to the saree, India’s eternal gift to the fashion world.

About 13,000 “special guests” have also been invited to watch the parade this year. The Defense Secretary said the objective is to provide an opportunity to people from all walks of life to participate in the national celebration, in line with the government’s vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’.

The Defense Secretary said that all Indian tunes will be played at the conclusion of the 75th Republic Day celebrations at the ‘Beating Retreat’ ceremony at Vijay Chowk on January 29. “The tunes will be played by bands of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Central Armed Police Forces in front of the distinguished audience,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)