India's 77th Republic Day 2026: Complete Guide to Celebrations and Live Viewing
India is poised to commemorate its 77th Republic Day on Monday, 26 January 2026. This significant national holiday marks the historic moment when the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950, establishing the nation as a sovereign republic. The celebrations will be a grand spectacle of patriotism, military prowess, and cultural heritage.
Republic Day 2026 Parade: Date, Time, and Venue
The centerpiece of the celebrations, the Republic Day Parade, will be held at the iconic Kartavya Path near India Gate in New Delhi. This majestic event is scheduled to commence in the morning, showcasing India's military strength, technological advancements, and the rich tapestry of its cultural diversity through vibrant performances and displays.
Chief Guests for the 2026 Republic Day Parade
Adding international significance to the occasion, the parade will be graced by two distinguished European leaders as chief guests. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will be in attendance. Their presence underscores the strengthening diplomatic ties between India and the European Union.
Republic Day 2026 Theme and Tableau: 'Vande Mataram'
The Government of India has selected 'Vande Mataram' as the central theme for Republic Day 2026. In line with this, the Union Ministry of Culture will present a special tableau titled '150 Years of Vande Mataram'. This artistic presentation aims to portray the national song as a living embodiment of India's civilizational memory, cultural continuity, and collective consciousness.
Vivek Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized the profound role of these tableaux, stating they are not merely ceremonial but serve as "moving archives of India's civilisational memory." He explained that they translate the nation's history, values, and ideas into a shared visual language for citizens, year after year.
President's Address on Republic Day Eve
On the eve of Republic Day, Sunday, 25 January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu will address the nation. The presidential address is a revered tradition, offering reflections on the nation's journey and aspirations.
The broadcast schedule is as follows:
- 7:00 PM: Live telecast on Doordarshan (Hindi version).
- Followed by the English version on Doordarshan.
- Regional language broadcasts will air subsequently on Doordarshan's regional channels.
- From 9:30 PM onwards: Akashvani (All India Radio) will broadcast the address in various regional languages.
Where and How to Watch the Republic Day Parade Live
The Republic Day Parade will be extensively telecast and live-streamed to ensure citizens across the country and the world can participate in the celebrations. Viewers can watch the live proceedings through the following platforms:
- Television: Doordarshan's DD National channel.
- Official YouTube Channels:
- Doordarshan YouTube channel
- All India Radio YouTube channel
- PIB (Press Information Bureau) YouTube channel
- MyGov YouTube channel
- Digital News Platforms: Reputable news websites and their associated YouTube handles will also provide live coverage.
Citizens can conveniently tune in from the comfort of their homes using televisions, smartphones, tablets, or laptops with an internet connection.
Offline Republic Day Celebrations in Delhi
For those in the national capital wishing to experience the festivities in person, special offline celebrations have been organized. The Delhi Assembly premises will be open to the public on the evenings of January 25 and 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Visitors can look forward to:
- Exploring the historic 115-year-old Vidhan Sabha building and other heritage sites within the complex.
- Enjoying patriotic musical performances by a renowned band.
- Witnessing cultural presentations organized by the Sahitya Kala Academy.
- Viewing the Vidhan Sabha building illuminated in vibrant Tricolour lighting.
According to reports, no prior registration is required for entry. Visitors will need to undergo a standard security check and present a valid government-issued ID proof for admission.
Inviting citizens to participate, the Assembly Speaker highlighted that this initiative is designed to celebrate Republic Day in the "true spirit of patriotism," fostering a direct connection between the people and their democratic institutions.
As the nation prepares to honor its constitutional legacy, the 77th Republic Day promises to be a unifying celebration of India's democratic values, cultural pride, and global partnerships.
