New Delhi [India], January 25 : The 77th Republic Day Parade 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and technological advancements.
It will feature several historic firsts, including the debut appearances of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and a specially curated animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC), as well as a significant display of India's military "jointness" following 2025's Operation Sindoor.
A total of 30 tableaux will march down Kartavya Path, organised under the themes 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat.' 17 Tableaux from States and UTs, including Assam's terracotta craft, Manipur's agricultural progress, and Himachal Pradesh's identity as Dev Bhoomi and 13 from ministries and services, including a special veterans' tableau by the Indian Air Force.
President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day at Kartavya Path on Monday, January 26. The national capital has been placed under tight security, with elaborate arrangements in place across Kartavya Path and Raisina Hill ahead of the parade.
On the eve of Republic Day, President Murmu will address the nation on Sunday, January 25. The address will be broadcast from 7 pm on the entire Akashvani network nationwide and telecast on all Doordarshan channels in Hindi, followed by the English version. Regional language broadcasts will follow on Doordarshan and Akashvani's regional networks later in the evening.
The Republic Day Parade will mark 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and will feature a total of 30 tableaux, 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments and Services.
The tableaux will present a visual narrative of India's freedom movement, cultural diversity and progress towards self-reliance across sectors. The tableaux will present a blend of India's freedom movement legacy, cultural diversity and contemporary achievements, with themes ranging from heritage crafts and folk traditions to self-reliance, innovation, defence preparedness and nation-building initiatives.

The parade will showcase a phased battle array display by the Indian Army, mechanised columns, marching contingents, military bands and a Tri-services tableau titled 'Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness', highlighting India's evolving military doctrine, indigenous defence capabilities and integrated operational strength. A veterans' tableau by the Indian Air Force will also form part of the display, paying tribute to the contribution of ex-servicemen.
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend as the Chief Guests for the Republic Day Parade 2026. As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
As every year, the ceremony will commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the National War Memorial, where he will lead the nation in paying solemn tributes to fallen heroes by laying a wreath. The Prime Minister will then come to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
Around 10,000 special guests from diverse walks of life, including Winners of World Athletic Para Championship, Farmers practicing natural farming, Transgender and beggar rehabilitated under PM SMILE scheme, Best performing Scientists/Technical persons involved in recent ISRO missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan etc, Heads/CEOs of companies who received incentives for Hydrogen production and Electrolyser manufacturing under the SIGHT (Strategic Intervention for Green Hydrogen Transition) program in National Green Hydrogen Mission, and Best performing Scientists/Technical persons from DRDO working in key projects.
Security has been significantly tightened in central Delhi, with over 1,000 high-definition CCTV cameras installed along the parade route and integrated with facial recognition systems for real-time monitoring. Meanwhile, for the first time, Delhi police will deploy AI-enabled smart glasses for improved threat detection. Multiple CCTV control rooms have been established, while a multi-layered security grid comprising Delhi Police, paramilitary forces and specialised units has been deployed. Traffic restrictions and controlled zones will be enforced around Kartavya Path and adjoining areas, with advisories issued for commuters.
The parade will begin at 9:30 am, with live television coverage starting from 10:30 am. Entry gates will open from 7 am. The celebrations will conclude with a flypast by 29 Indian Air Force aircraft. Notably, this year the Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase the "Sindoor" formation during the Republic Day parade 2026, with fighter aircraft that participated in Operation Sindoor taking to the skies in a symbolic display of air power. The formation will comprise two Rafale jets, two Su-30 aircraft, two MiG-29 fighters and one Jaguar fighter jet. While 2,500 cultural artists will perform along Kartavya Path, presenting a synchronised cultural showcase inspired by Vande Mataram and India's journey towards a self-reliant and developed nation.

For the first time, a carefully curated animal contingent of the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) of the Indian Army will be showcased at the Republic Day parade 2026. The contingent will feature two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian breed Army dogs, along with six conventional military dogs already in service, highlighting the role of animals in extreme high-altitude terrains like Ladakh and Siachen.

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase some of its path-breaking innovations for national security during the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path and Bharat Parv 2026. The systems are: Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and DRDO Tableau-'Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines'. The DRDO will showcase LR-AShM with a launcher during the parade.

This year, Agniveers will also participate in the Republic Day Parade at Kartayapath as part of the Indian Air Force Marching Band. This will be the first time that Women Agniveers are taking part in a band performance in the Republic Day Parade. A total of 66 Agniveers, including 9, will play marching tunes.
Following the parade, 'Bharat Parv' will be organised at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, showcasing Republic Day tableaux, regional cuisine, handicrafts, cultural performances and citizen engagement activities.
While the ceremony for the day will culminate with the national anthem, the Republic Day celebrations will conclude with the Prime Minister's NCC Rally at Cariappa Parade Ground on January 28.