India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, with the grand Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The occasion marks the adoption and enforcement of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, a historic moment that established the nation as a sovereign democratic republic.
Republic Day embodies the constitutional ideals of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity, values that continue to define India’s democratic spirit.
Republic Day Parade 2026: What to Expect
This year’s parade will feature:
- 30 tableaux from states, Union Territories and central ministries
- Displays highlighting India’s cultural diversity, heritage and developmental journey
- Cultural performances from across the country
- A special “Battle Array” format by the Indian Army, showcasing operational readiness and indigenous military capability
Republic Day 2026 Theme
The theme for Republic Day 2026 is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, commemorating the iconic national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
According to an official government release, the theme will be reflected across:
- The Republic Day Parade
- Cultural performances
- Tableaux
- Public competitions
- Nationwide outreach programmes
The focus places Vande Mataram at the heart of the celebrations, linking the song’s legacy with India’s freedom struggle, cultural identity and national unity.
Republic Day 2026: Chief Guests
The Chief Guests for Republic Day 2026 are:
- Antonio Costa, President of the European Council
- Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Their presence underscores India’s deepening strategic partnership with the European Union, particularly in areas such as trade, technology, climate action and global governance.
Republic Day 2026: Special Guests
Around 10,000 special guests (including spouses) from across the country have been invited to witness the parade, as part of the government’s push to enhance Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) in national celebrations.
“These special guests have been invited to honour their contribution to nation-building,” the official release said.
Who Are the Special Guests?
The invitees include outstanding contributors from diverse fields, such as:
- Winners of World Athletic Para Championships and international sports tournaments
- Farmers practising natural farming and beneficiaries of agricultural missions
- Scientists, engineers and technical experts from ISRO, DRDO, Deep Ocean Mission and Semicon India Programme
- Innovators and start-ups in space, medical, biotech and green hydrogen sectors
- Beneficiaries of flagship schemes such as PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Mudra Yojana and PM SVANidhi
- Women entrepreneurs, artisans and Self-Help Group members, including Lakhpati Didis
- Tribal leaders, beneficiaries of Janjatiya welfare schemes, and North-East cultural achievers
- Anganwadi workers, disaster management volunteers, sanitation and water conservation champions
- Workers from Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Kartavya Bhawan construction teams
- Students from Atal Tinkering Laboratories, national band competitions and international Olympiads
- Participants of Mann Ki Baat, Veer Gatha project winners and PM Internship Scheme interns
- Foreign delegates and youth representatives under Youth Exchange Programme (YEP)-2026
- International and Indian monk delegations attending the 2nd Global Buddhist Summit 2026
Special Arrangements
Special guests will be seated at Kartavya Path, and arrangements have been made for their visits to:
- National War Memorial
- PM Sangrahalaya
- Other prominent national landmarks in Delhi
Republic Day 2026 thus promises to be a celebration not only of constitutional values and historical milestones, but also of people who represent India’s progress, resilience and inclusive growth.