- Republic Day Parade 2026 began at Kartavya Path and will run for about 90 minutes.
- Theme this year is “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” celebrating India’s national song and identity.
- European Council President Antonio Costa and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are chief guests.
Republic Day Parade 2026: The grand Republic Day Parade 2026 has officially commenced at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, marking India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations with an impressive showcase of military strength, cultural diversity and national pride.
The parade, expected to last around 90 minutes, opened with iconic visuals of Apache and Dhruv helicopters, along with Bhishma and Arjun battle tanks rolling down the ceremonial boulevard.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and chief guests from Europe are present at the venue.
Republic Day Parade 2026 Theme: “150 Years of Vande Mataram”
The central theme of this year’s celebrations is “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” honouring the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Officials said the theme connects India’s freedom struggle, cultural identity and present-day development goals, and will feature prominently in tableaux, public outreach programmes and cultural events across the country.
Who Are the Chief Guests at Republic Day 2026?
This year’s Republic Day Parade has two high-profile international chief guests:
- Antonio Costa, President of the European Council
- Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
The leaders received a Guard of Honour upon arriving in India on Sunday and are expected to deepen EU–India cooperation through a strategic agenda during talks on January 27.
Military Might on Display at Kartavya Path
India showcased major defence platforms and advanced weapon systems during the Republic Day Parade 2026, including:
- BrahMos missile system
- Akash air defence system
- ‘Suryastra’ rocket launcher with deep-strike capability
- Main Battle Tank Arjun
- Bhishma battle tank
A tri-services tableau featuring replicas of key weapon systems used in Operation Sindoor last May was among the parade’s major highlights.
First-Time Participants Add Special Attraction
Officials noted that several units made their debut this year, adding a unique ceremonial flavour.
First-time participants included:
- Newly raised Bhairav light commando battalion
- Shaktiban Regiment, equipped with drone and counter-drone systems
- Zanskar ponies
- Bactrian camels
The Shaktiban Regiment’s appearance marked a significant step in showcasing India’s modern artillery transformation.
Republic Day Parade Begins With Tribute at National War Memorial
The day’s events began with Prime Minister Modi visiting the National War Memorial, where he laid a wreath to honour India’s fallen heroes.
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Afterward, dignitaries moved to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the ceremonial march-past.
President’s Traditional Arrival and 21-Gun Salute
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in the traditional buggy, accompanied by the President’s Bodyguard, the Indian Army’s senior-most regiment.
As per tradition:
- The National Flag was unfurled
- The National Anthem was played
- A 21-gun salute was fired using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns
- The President then took the salute as the parade advanced.
Cultural Performances and Special Guests
Around 2,500 cultural performers from every state and union territory are participating this year, highlighting India’s unity in diversity.
Nearly 10,000 special guests from different walks of life were invited to witness the celebrations, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Republic Day.
A Celebration of India’s Strength and Identity
The Republic Day Parade 2026 stands as a powerful reflection of India’s constitutional values, defence preparedness, cultural richness and development journey, with “Vande Mataram” at the heart of this historic celebration.
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