Republic Day 2026: Parade at Kartavya Path to Begin at 10:30 AM, Showcasing India’s Culture and Military Strength

India is celebrating its 77th Republic Day today, marking the adoption of the Constitution on January 26, 1950. The grand Republic Day Parade will be held at Kartavya Path near India Gate in New Delhi, highlighting the country’s defence capabilities, cultural diversity, and development journey.

The parade will begin at 10:30 am and last for about 90 minutes, according to an official release.

Theme: “150 Years of Vande Mataram”

The theme for this year’s Republic Day is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, honouring the national song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.

An official press note said the theme will run through the parade, tableaux, cultural programmes, public contests, and outreach initiatives, linking India’s freedom struggle, cultural identity, and modern national aspirations.

Chief Guests from European Union

This year’s chief guests are:

• Antonio Costa, President of the European Council

• Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Both leaders were accorded a Guard of Honour on arrival in India on Sunday. They are expected to adopt a joint EU-India comprehensive strategic agenda and expand regional and multilateral cooperation on January 27.

Military and Cultural Highlights

Several key defence platforms will be showcased, including:

• BrahMos and Akash missile systems

• ‘Suryastra’ rocket launcher with deep-strike capability

• Main Battle Tank Arjun

The newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and Shaktiban Regiment will participate in the parade for the first time. Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will also be part of the ceremonial march.

Officials said India will present models of major weapon systems used during Operation Sindoor, reflecting the country’s growing defence preparedness.

The Shaktiban Regiment, part of the artillery wing, is equipped with drone, counter-drone, and loiter munition systems and will make its debut at the parade.

A tri-services tableau depicting replicas of weapons used in Operation Sindoor last May is expected to be a major attraction.

Parade Schedule and Traditions

The celebrations will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to pay tribute to fallen soldiers. He will then proceed to Kartavya Path with other dignitaries.

President Droupadi Murmu, along with the EU leaders, will arrive in the traditional buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the Indian Army’s senior-most regiment.

Following tradition:

• The National Flag will be unfurled

• The National Anthem will be played

• A 21-gun salute will be fired using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns

The President will then take the salute as the parade proceeds.

Public Participation

Around 2,500 cultural performers from all states and union territories will participate in the celebrations. Nearly 10,000 special guests from different walks of life have been invited to witness the event.