As India gears up for its 77th Republic Day celebrations, preparations for the grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi are in full swing. The highly anticipated event, scheduled for January 26, 2026, promises to be a spectacular showcase of the nation's rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and technological advancements.
Presidential Address and Security Arrangements
President Droupadi Murmu is set to address the nation on the eve of Republic Day at 7 pm on January 25. Her address will be telecast live across all Doordarshan TV channels in multiple languages and broadcast on All India Radio's regional networks. President Murmu will also lead the country in the main celebrations at Kartavya Path on January 26. In light of the event, stringent security measures have been implemented to ensure a safe and seamless parade.
Theme and Tableaux Display
This year's Republic Day parade celebrates the theme '150 years of Vande Mataram', which will be vividly portrayed through a total of 30 tableaux. Among these, 17 tableaux will represent various states and Union Territories, while 13 will be presented by different government departments, ministries, and services. The display, titled 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat', aims to narrate India's freedom movement, cultural diversity, and progress towards self-reliance across sectors.
Cultural and Military Highlights
The parade will commence at 9:30 am, with live television coverage starting from 10:30 am. Gates will open for the audience at 7 am. A highlight of the event will be the performance of 2,500 cultural artists along Kartavya Path, presenting a synchronised cultural showcase inspired by Vande Mataram and India's journey towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation.
Key military displays include:
- A specially curated animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps, featuring Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, raptors, and Indian breed Army dogs, highlighting their role in extreme high-altitude terrains like Ladakh and Siachen.
- The debut appearance of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion.
- A phased battle array display by the Indian Army, including mechanised columns, marching contingents, military bands, and a Tri-services tableau titled 'Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness'.
- The Indian Air Force will showcase the 'Sindoor' formation, comprising two Rafale jets, two Su-30 aircraft, two MiG-29 fighters, and one Jaguar fighter jet, symbolising air power.
- A special veterans' tableau by the IAF to honour ex-servicemen.
Technological and State Showcases
The Defence Research & Development Organisation will display path-breaking innovations for national security, including the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile and the DRDO Tableau on Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines. Additionally, Agniveers will participate in the parade for the first time, with 66 Agniveers, including women, performing in the Indian Air Force Marching Band.
State tableaux will feature Assam's terracotta craft, Himachal Pradesh's identity as Dev Bhoomi, and Manipur's agricultural progress, among others. The celebrations will conclude with a flypast by 29 Indian Air Force aircraft.
Chief Guests and Audience
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin the day by visiting the National War Memorial to lay a wreath and pay tributes to fallen heroes before proceeding to Kartavya Path. The ceremonies will include the hoisting of the National Flag, the National Anthem, and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
Chief guests for the parade are Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. The audience is expected to number around 10,000, including farmers, scientists, corporate heads, and winners of the World Athletic Para Championship.
Post-Parade Celebrations
Following the parade, 'Bharat Parv' will be organised at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, showcasing Republic Day tableaux, regional cuisine, handicrafts, cultural performances, and citizen engagement activities. The full Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Prime Minister's NCC Rally at Cariappa Parade Ground on January 28.
