Preparations for the 77th Republic Day in Delhi are complete. There is tremendous enthusiasm among the people for this national festival, celebrated on January 26. India adopted its cConstitutionon January 26, 1950, establishing itself as a democratic republic. The historic task of drafting the Constitution was carried out under the chairmanship of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, while Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in the country’s integration.
This year’s Republic Day will be special in many ways. It will feature glimpses of Operation Sindoor and a display of the armed forces’ valour. This year’s 77th Republic Day theme is based on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The government has decided to celebrate its 150th year for a full year, starting from November 7, 2025.
Cultural Diversity and Patriotic Spirit
It is reported that special paintings and displays related to Vande Mataram will be showcased on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade. At the end of the parade, a Vande Mataram banner will be unveiled, and rubber balloons will be released. This event will be dedicated to patriotism and the resolve for a self-reliant India. This year’s Republic Day celebrations in 2026 will specifically highlight the country’s cultural diversity and patriotic spirit.
Couples in Traditional Attire on Kartavya Path: Approximately 50 couples from each state and union territory have been invited. These couples will be seen in their respective regional traditional attire, conveying the message of India’s unity and diversity.
Bharat Parv at Red Fort: The Ministry of Tourism will organise Bharat Parv at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, 2026. Bharat Parv will feature Republic Day tableaux, regional cuisine, handicrafts, cultural programs, and stalls from central ministries.
Tableaux to be displayed at Bharat Parv: Chandigarh, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and DRDO.
Record Participation in Veer Gatha 5.0: 1.92 crore students participated in this initiative by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Education. 100 students have been selected as winners and will be felicitated in Delhi. The winning students will also witness the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path.
EU Leaders as Chief Guests
At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two top leaders of the European Union, European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will visit India from January 25 to 27, 2026. Both leaders will attend the 77th Republic Day celebrations as chief guests. This visit is considered crucial in further strengthening India-EU relations.
Special Guests at the Republic Day Parade
- Approximately 10,000 special guests will be present on Kartavya Path.
- These are citizens from across the country who are playing a vital role in building a new India.
- They have been described as the real heroes of a self-reliant, inclusive, and future-ready India.
Who will be included?
- World champion para-athletes
- Farmers practising natural and climate-resilient farming
- Scientists from ISRO, DRDO, and the Deep Ocean Mission
- Innovators in sectors like semiconductors, biotech, and green hydrogen
- Women entrepreneurs, SHG leaders, and Lakhpati Didis (women who have become millionaires through self-help groups)
- Artisans associated with Khadi, Coir, and the PM Vishwakarma Yojana
Representation from every section of society
- Tribal changemakers
- Transgender citizens who have been rehabilitated with dignity
- Ganga Water Warriors
- Volunteers involved in disaster relief
- Anganwadi workers
- Street vendors and members of the working class
- Workers involved in the construction of Kartavya Path/Kartavya Bhavan
- BRO (Border Roads Organisation) personnel
Beneficiaries of government schemes will also be present
This includes beneficiaries of schemes related to housing, health, employment/livelihood, pensions, and Har Ghar Nal Jal (tap water in every home). Special place for young talents
Atal Tinkering Lab Innovators
- Olympiad Medal Winners
- Veer Gatha Winners
- My Bharat Volunteers
- National School Band Champions
- Participants of Mann Ki Baat
International representatives also included
- International Youth Delegates
- Global Monk Delegation (Symbol of India’s civilizational identity)
Highlights of Republic Day 2026
- PM’s tribute at the National War Memorial: On Republic Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to the martyrs at the National War Memorial at India Gate.
- A Tri-Services Guard of Honour will be given.
- This time, the Indian Air Force will be the lead service, and an Air Force officer will lead the Guard of Honour.
- A glimpse of 76 years of the Constitution will be seen.
- Military Band Performance: The combined military band will perform “Vande Mataram” followed by “Jana Gana Mana”.
President’s Escort: The President will arrive on Kartavya Path with the mounted contingent of the President’s Bodyguard (PBG). 21-Gun Salute: A 21-gun salute will be given to the nation on Republic Day. This salute will be given with 105 mm Light Field Guns.
Flag Hoisting and National Anthem: After the national flag is hoisted, the service band will play the national anthem, formally marking the beginning of the parade.
