India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, with a grand parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing the country’s military strength, cultural diversity, and constitutional values. The celebrations marked the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.
President Droupadi Murmu led the ceremony and took the salute at the parade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union ministers, senior military officials, foreign diplomats, and thousands of invited guests were present. The chief guests this year were European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, marking the first time two top European Union leaders attended India’s Republic Day celebrations together.
The theme of Republic Day 2026 was 150 Years of Vande Mataram, honouring the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The theme ran through the parade, tableaux, cultural performances, and public displays, linking India’s freedom struggle with its present goals.
A major highlight of the parade was the display of India’s defence capability. Advanced weapon systems such as BrahMos and Akash missiles, the Suryastra rocket launcher, and the Arjun main battle tank were showcased. Newly raised units and platforms used during Operation Sindoor were also presented, reflecting India’s focus on self-reliance and modern warfare. A tri-services tableau on Operation Sindoor drew strong attention from spectators.
The Indian Air Force conducted an impressive fly past featuring Rafale, Sukhoi, MiG 29, and Jaguar aircraft, while helicopters carried the national flag over Kartavya Path. Marching contingents from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces displayed discipline and coordination.
Cultural diversity was another key focus of the celebrations. Around 2,500 artists from across states and union territories performed under the theme Unity in Diversity. Tableaux from different states highlighted heritage, innovation, women empowerment, agriculture, education, and technological progress.
As per tradition, the President unfurled the national flag, followed by the national anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenously developed artillery guns. Prime Minister Modi earlier visited the National War Memorial to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
Across the country, Republic Day was celebrated in state capitals, districts, and villages, with governors and chief ministers hoisting the tricolour and stressing commitment to the Constitution, democracy, and national unity. Indian missions abroad also marked the occasion with members of the Indian diaspora.
