Key highlights of Republic Day 2026: Kartavya Path to showcase 150 years of 'Vande Mataram', military might, Op Sindoor tableau

India is all set to celebrate its 77th Republic Day with ceremonial events commencing at Kartavya Path at 10:30 in the morning.

This year, the grand parade will showcase an amalgamation of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, India’s unprecedented progress, robust military prowess, its rich cultural diversity, and the participation of people from all walks of life.

With President of the European Council Mr Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ms Ursula von der Leyen as chief guests of the occasion, the celebrations will stretch from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial.

This day marks the adoption of India's constitution and the country's transition to a republic on January 26, 1950.

Watch live updates of Republic Day Parade here

Republic Day Parade

The parade will begin at 10:30 am with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying tribute to the fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial and making his way to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.

The President’s Bodyguard (senior most Regiment of the Indian Army) will escort the President of India along with the chief guests to the Kartavya Path.

The National Flag will be unfurled, which will be followed by the National Anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105 mm Light Field Guns. The 21-gun Salute will be presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.

100 artists will be heralding the parade, on the theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta – Unity in Diversity’, which is set to be a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation’s unity and rich cultural diversity. Showering of flower petals will be carried out by four Mi-17 1V helicopters of the 129 Helicopter Unit in the Dhwaj Formation. Trooping the National Flag, this formation of helicopters will be led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat.

The parade will then begin with the President taking the salute.

European Contingent

The European Union (EU) contingent will comprise four Flag Bearers on three gypsies. They will be seen carrying four flags – the flag of the EU, the flag of the European Union Military Staff; the flag of EU Naval Force Atalanta; and the flag of EU Naval Force Aspides.

Army Contingent

In a first, the parade will showcase a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, including the aerial component.

The element would consist of the 61 Cavalry in active combatised uniform. It will be followed by High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle, India’s first indigenously designed Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle.

Providing aerial support would be the DHRUV Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version RUDRA in Prahar formation, demonstrating battlefield shaping.

Marching down Kartavya Path would be the Mixed Scouts Contingent; Rajput Regiment; Assam Regiment; Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry; Regiment of Artillery; 4 BHAIRAV Battalion – Sikh Light Infantry Regiment; and Combined Military Bands.

Navy Contingent

Led by Lt Karan Nagyal as Contingent Commander and Lt Pawan Kumar Gandi, Lt Priti Kumari & Lt Varun Dreveriya as Platoon Commanders, the   Navy contingent will consist of 144 young personnel.

It will be followed by the Naval Tableau, presenting a vivid depiction of the theme of a Strong Navy for a Strong Nation.

The tableau reflects the Navy's march towards Jointness, Aatmanirbharta, and Victory through Innovation ‘JAI’.

Air Force Contingent

The Indian Air Force contingent comprises four officers (One Contingent Commander and three supernumerary officers) and 144 airmen. The Contingent Commander would be Sqn Ldr Jagdesh Kumar with Sqn Ldr Nikita Choudhery, Flt Lt Prakhar Chandrakar and Flt Lt Dinesh as supernumerary officers.

Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness: Tri-services Tableau

‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’, would be depicted by the Tri-services Tableau representing the collective strength, unity, and integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force in safeguarding our nation.

Tableaux of States, UTs & Ministries and Departments

A total of 30 tableaux - 17 of States/Union Territories and 13 of Ministries/Departments/Services - will roll down with a broad theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Motorcycle Display

A joint Dare Devils team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) will enthrall the audience at Kartavya Path this year.

Fly-past

The fly-past will witness the participation of a total of 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter aircraft, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters.

These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, complemented by strategic assets - C-130 and C-295, as well as the Indian Navy's P-8i aircraft.