Republic Day 2026 Showcases India’s Strength, Culture and Unity at Kartavya Path

New Delhi | January 26, 2026 India marked its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, with a grand and dignified parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, reflecting the nation’s military strength, cultural richness and democratic values. The day began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial near the historic India Gate, paying tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The celebrations brought together tradition, power and pride, sending a strong message of a confident and resilient India to the world. This year’s Republic Day parade was attended by distinguished international guests, with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, gracing the occasion as chief guests. Their presence highlighted India’s growing global engagement and strong ties with Europe. The theme of the parade was “150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’”, paying homage to the iconic song that has inspired generations with the spirit of patriotism and freedom. The parade formally began when President Droupadi Murmu took the salute soon after she arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, accompanied by Mr. Costa and Ms. von der Leyen, and escorted by the Indian President’s bodyguards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior Union ministers, top military commanders, foreign diplomats and senior officials were present to witness the celebrations, adding to the solemnity and importance of the event. A major highlight of the parade was the impressive display of India’s military power. Advanced weapon systems such as BrahMos and Akash missiles, the rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’, the Main Battle Tank Arjun, and several indigenously developed defence platforms were showcased, reflecting India’s growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Alongside military might, culture took centre stage as around 100 artistes opened the parade with a vibrant performance on the theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity)’, using music and traditional instruments to beautifully present the country’s rich cultural diversity and national unity. Republic Day 2026: India Displays Strength, Culture and Unity at Kartavya Path India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with a grand parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, highlighting the nation’s military strength, cultural pride and democratic spirit. The day began at the National War Memorial near India Gate, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid a wreath to honour the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country. The celebrations reflected India’s journey of resilience and progress, watched by citizens and dignitaries from across the world. This year’s Republic Day celebrations gained global attention with the presence of the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, as chief guests. Their participation underlined India’s strong international partnerships. The overall theme of the parade was “150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’”, paying tribute to the iconic song that has inspired patriotism and unity for generations. The parade formally commenced when President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy and took the salute. She was accompanied by the chief guests and escorted by the President’s bodyguards. The event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior Union ministers, top military officials, foreign diplomats and senior government officers, making it a moment of national pride and dignity in the heart of the capital. A major attraction of the parade was the powerful display of India’s defence capability, including BrahMos and Akash missile systems, the rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’, the Arjun Main Battle Tank, and several indigenously developed military platforms. Alongside this show of strength, culture added colour to the event as nearly 100 artistes opened the parade with a performance based on ‘Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity)’, using music and traditional instruments to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage and national unity.