Republic Day is not just a national holiday; it is a day when India comes together to celebrate its journey, values, and vision for the future. Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026, scheduled on 26 January 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, promises to be one of the most memorable editions in recent times.
This year’s celebrations will revolve around a deeply emotional and historic theme: 150 years of Vande Mataram, the song that ignited the spirit of India’s freedom movement and continues to inspire patriotism across generations.
Announcing the details of the celebrations, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh described the Republic Day Parade 2026 as a powerful blend of India’s freedom legacy, military strength, cultural diversity, and people’s participation.
Chief Guests: A Strong India–Europe Connect
Further adding to the international importance of the event, the President of the European Council, Mr. Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, will be the Chief Guests of the event.
Their presence not only gives an insight into the growing strategic partnership between the European Union and the Republic of India but is an affirmation of the fact that modern-day India stands securely on the world platform while being firmly grounded on the foundation of values from the past.
150 Years of Vande Mataram: The Soul of the Parade
The theme for the parade, “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” is more than symbolic. “Vande Mataram,” written by Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was more than a song for Indian patriots fighting for freedom. This song represented a call to awakening.
Several special events have been planned as a tribute to this legacy:
- Rare paintings of 1923, penned by renowned artist Shri Tejendra Kumar Mitra of verses of "Vande Mataram," are set to be placed as 'view-cutters' alongside "Kartavya Path."
- A huge banner with `वंदेमातरम्` will be unfurled as the closing event of the parade, which will be marked with the release of balloons.
- Band performances based on Vande Mataram will be organised by the Armed Forces/CAPFs between the 19th and 26th of January, 2026.
- One of the most iconic events will be organised at the ancestral residence of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in Naihati, West Bengal. It is named “Bankim Bhawan” today.
Even the invitation cards, floral decorations, stage visuals, and on-screen videos at Kartavya Path will be designed around the Vande Mataram theme.
The tableaux will broadly reflect two ideas:
- “स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम” (The Mantra of Freedom)
- “समृद्धि का मंत्र – आत्मनिर्भर भारत” (The Mantra of Prosperity)
Indian Army’s Battle Array: A First-Ever Showcase
One of the most significant highlights during the Republic Day Parade 2026 would be the Phased Battle Array Display by the Indian Army, which would make its debut.
This display will offer citizens a rare, close-up look at India’s modern battlefield capabilities, including:
- T-90 tanks and Arjun Main Battle Tanks
- BMP-II infantry combat vehicles
- BrahMos missile system, Akash and MRSAM air defence systems
- ATAGS and Dhanush artillery guns
- Drones, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), robotic mules
- Light Strike Vehicles, Glacier ATVs, Shaktiman trucks
The Army will be represented by:
- A Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry
- Seven marching contingents, including animal contingents featuring Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, and trained dogs
- Iconic regiments such as Rajput, Assam, JAK LI, Ladakh Scouts, and Artillery contingents marching in Uncha Kadam Taal
This show of force is not only about strength and firepower; it’s also a demonstration of a ready and self-sufficient India and its technological capabilities in defence.
Air Power and Veterans: Pride Across Generations
The parade would see an awe-inspiring flypast performance by 29 aircraft from the Indian Armed Forces. The aircraft that would perform include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Apache, LCH, Mi-17, C-295, P-8I, among others. They would perform wonderfully in their designated formation.
Another emotional moment will come from the Veterans’ Tableau by the Indian Air Force, who have decided to pay tribute to the after-service contributions of ex-servicemen in nation-building even after retirement from active duty.
30 Tableaux: India’s Diversity on Display
A total of 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path:
- 17 from States and Union Territories
- 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Armed Forces
Each tableau tells a story from freedom movements and cultural heritage to innovation and self-reliance. Notable themes include:
- Bengal in the Freedom Movement of India (West Bengal)
- Tri-Services Jointness – Operation Sindoor (Department of Military Affairs)
- Vande Mataram: The Soul-Cry of a Nation (Ministry of Culture)
- Samudra Se Samriddhi (Indian Navy)
- National Education Policy 2020 (Ministry of Education)
Together, these tableaux reflect India’s journey from colonial rule to a confident, self-reliant nation.
Cultural Performance: 2,500 Artists, One Message
Adding colour and rhythm to the parade, around 2,500 cultural artists will perform at Kartavya Path. The performance will revolve around the themes of freedom and prosperity.
The creative team includes:
- M.M. Keeravani: Music Director
- Anupam Kher: Narrator
- Santosh Nair: Choreographer
The performances will blend classical, folk, and contemporary styles, reflecting India’s cultural unity.
10,000 Special Guests: Republic Day of the People
In a move that symbolically promotes Jan Bhagidari, around 10,000 special guests from different parts of the country have been invited. The guests are basically the strength of India: farmers, workers, scientists, innovators, artisans, students, SHG women, start-ups, and frontline workers.
From scientists in ISRO or DRDO, to Anganwadi workers, water warriors, tribal leaders, Lakhpati Didis, PM Mudra, or Veer Gatha awardees, each one of the guests represents the real builders of the nation.
Students, Youth & Digital India
- Over 18,000 students participated in the National School Band Competition
- 1.92 crore students took part in Veer Gatha 5.0
- Winners will attend the parade and be felicitated in New Delhi
To improve citizen convenience:
- Tickets via Aamantran App
- Information through Rashtraparv Portal
- Free metro services from 3 AM
- Divyang-friendly enclosures, volunteers, medical aid, drinking water, and rain ponchos
Read more:
Assistant Commandant Simran Bala: J&K Officer to Lead All-Male CRPF Contingent on Republic Day 2026
Meet Captain Hansja Sharma, India’s First Woman Rudra Helicopter Pilot
