NEW DELHI: Google has unveiled a special doodle to mark India’s 76th Republic Day, celebrating the country’s rich diversity and national pride. The colourful design, created by Pune-based artist Rohan Dahotre, features a series of animals representing various regions of India, intricately woven into the letters of ‘GOOGLE’ to resemble a lively ‘wildlife parade’. Among the highlights are a snow leopard dressed in traditional Ladakhi attire, a tiger sporting a dhoti-kurta while playing a musical instrument, a peacock in flight, and an antelope carrying a ceremonial staff.
The doodle was designed to commemorate an event that stands as a symbol of unity and patriotism across the nation. As per the description on Google’s website, the doodle captures the essence of Republic Day, an occasion that brings the country together in a spirit of pride and celebration. Dahotre, reflecting on India’s vast diversity, stated, “Republic Day holds great significance for India, as it unites people across the nation and ignites a sense of patriotism in every Indian.”
Republic Day 2025 holds particular significance as the country celebrates 75 years of its Constitution’s enactment, marking a momentous milestone in India’s history. The event will feature a grand military parade on Kartavya Path, with President Droupadi Murmu leading the nation in the celebrations. The parade will showcase a mix of India’s military might, cultural vibrancy, and achievements, with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attending as the chief guest. The 90-minute procession will include 16 tableaux from various states and Union Territories, as well as performances from armed forces contingents.
This year’s Republic Day also places a strong emphasis on the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Empowered and Secure India). Among the impressive displays is a Tri-services tableau, illustrating joint operations in land, air, and sea with indigenous defence equipment like the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, and the INS Visakhapatnam destroyer. There will also be tributes to the resilience and dedication of India’s veterans, as well as representations of Nari Shakti, with women officers from all three services taking part.
The ceremonial proceedings will include a fly-past by 40 aircraft and helicopters from the Indian Air Force, as well as a special motorcycle display by the Corps of Signals, famously known as ‘The Dare Devils’. These breathtaking stunts, along with the concluding vertical manoeuvre by a Rafale fighter jet, will cap off a day of celebrations that honour the achievements of the nation and its people.