India is set to celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path with a grand ceremony centred on the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram.” The theme commemorates the legacy of the national song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and reflects its enduring role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building.
The Republic Day parade will creatively weave this theme through tableaux, music, narration and visual elements. Rare paintings illustrating the verses of Vande Mataram will line the parade route, while the 30 tableaux will focus on two sub -themes- Swatantrata ka Mantr – Vande Mataram and Samriddhi ka Mantr – Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The ceremony will also highlight India’s cultural diversity and growing self-reliance in defence. Indigenous military platforms, modern battle formations and joint band performances by the Armed Forces and CAPFs will feature prominently.
In a notable diplomatic first, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will attend as chief guests.
The programme will begin at 9:30 am with the Prime Minister’s tribute at the National War Memorial, followed by the parade at 10:30 am, broadcast live across the country.
