Republic Day 2026 Highlights: Grand 26 January Republic Day Parade – India’s Military Might, Cultural Diversity On Display

On the occasion of Dibrugarh’s 77th Republic Day, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma unfolds the national flag.

On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, Congress MP Digvijaya Singh and Congress MLA Umang Singhar took part in the national flag unfurling event at the State Congress Office.

The National Tricolor was unfurled at Kerala House by KV Thomas, Kerala’s special representative in the nation’s capital.

Vijay formation in the parade on R-Day. Images of the Vijay formation. A Rafale aircraft operating at 900 kmph and keeping a 300 m AOL over the water channel north of Rajpath makes up the formation. After that, the aircraft ascends to do a vertical Charlie maneuver.

Over Kartavya Path, a lone Rafale soared at 900 km/h.

In the Republic Day parade, Maharashtra displayed a tableau with the theme “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta.” A large picture at the front of the tableau shows a woman doing a traditional “dhol,” which is connected to Ganeshotsav. An idol of Lord Ganesha is being created by a sculptor in the back portion of the tableau.

Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt, representing the Director General of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), is in charge of the EU military representation aboard a ceremonial Gypsy.

61st Cavalry Contingent is led by Captain Ahaan Kumar The 61st Cavalry is the only active horse cavalry regiment in the world, preserving the timeless traditions of valour, horsemanship, and gallantry

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, wrote, “It is the honor of a lifetime to be Chief Guests at the Republic Day celebrations. A successful India makes the world more stable, prosperous, and secure. And we all benefit.”

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, were the Republic Day Chief Guests that PM Modi met.

PM Modi joins the country in honoring the dead soldiers.

At the historic India Gate, PM Modi arrived at the National War Memorial and placed a wreath there.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister, Unfolds The flag of the country.

Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and Antonio Costa (President of the European Council) are the guests for Republic Day 2026.

 Speaker of the Lok Sabha Om Birla Unfolds the Tricolor at His Delhi Home.

On Republic Day, a sizable crowd gathered at Kartavya Path.

S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, unfolds the Tricolor At His Home.

On Republic Day, the Indian Navy delivers a video message with greetings.

On the 77th Republic Day, the Indian Navy wishes the country well.

The Indian National Congress wishes everyone a happy 77th Republic Day.

Rajesh Loya of RSS Nagpur Mahanagar Sanghchalak unfolds the tricolor.

Kartavya Path preparation photos in advance of the 77th Republic Day Parade.

The National Flag Unfurled by Bhajanlal Sharma At Rajasthan’s Chief Minister’s Residence.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday conveyed Republic Day greetings to India and underscored the growing cooperation between the two countries, particularly through the Quad framework and in key strategic sectors.

Rubio said the partnership between Washington and New Delhi has produced tangible outcomes, driven by close collaboration in defence, energy, critical minerals and emerging technologies, as well as joint efforts to promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The 2026 Republic Day Parade will feature several first-time showcases, with the Army set to display the Suryastra rocket launcher system known for its deep-strike capability, the newly formed Bhairav light commando battalion, and traditional Zanskar ponies alongside Bactrian camels, officials confirmed on Friday (January 23, 2026).

In another first, personnel from the mounted 61 Cavalry will march in full combat attire. The parade along Kartavya Path will also feature major Army equipment, including indigenous platforms presented with their crews, arranged in a phased battle array formation to reflect operational readiness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends Republic Day 2026 greetings, wishing for the collective resolve to build the Viksit Bharat.

On the occasion of Republic Day, the Delhi government has declared a Special Government Remission for qualifying prisoners.

According to an official statement, the remission has been granted under Section 473 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, equivalent to Section 432 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and is in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs notification dated March 20, 1974.

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said the benefit will extend to convicts sentenced by criminal courts in Delhi who are lodged in Central Jails within the National Capital Territory or outside the city, provided they are serving their sentence as of January 26, 2026, and meet the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Security checks are underway across Delhi NCR on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day. Visuals from Badarpur Border show personnel conducting thorough screenings to ensure safety during the celebrations.

The parade will highlight India’s growth, cultural diversity, and military prowess, featuring newly raised units and mock-ups of key weapon systems deployed during Operation Sindoor.

The Republic Day parade will begin with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute. Leading the parade will be Parade Commander Lt General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, and a second-generation officer.

Following the commander, the parade will feature winners of India’s highest gallantry awards, including Param Vir Chakra recipients Subedar Major (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav (Retd) and Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar, as well as Ashok Chakra awardees Maj Gen CA Pithawalia (Retd) and Colonel D Sreeram Kumar.

A small military contingent from the European Union (EU) will also participate in the parade, symbolizing international camaraderie and cooperation.

The parade will feature a Phased Battle Array display by the Indian Army, along with mechanised columns, marching contingents, and military bands.

A Tri-Services tableau titled “Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness” will highlight India’s evolving military doctrine, indigenous defence capabilities, and integrated operational strength.

Additionally, a veterans’ tableau by the Indian Air Force will pay tribute to the contributions of ex-servicemen, honoring their dedication and service.

India got independence on August 15, 1947, a date chosen by Lord Louis Mountbatten to coincide with the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allied powers during World War II.

However, India did not immediately have its own Constitution after Independence.

For a period, the country was governed under a common law system and a modified version of the British-era Government of India Act, 1935, until the Constitution was finally adopted on January 26, 1950, marking India’s transition into a sovereign, democratic republic.

About two weeks later, a Drafting Committee was established to frame the Indian Constitution, with Dr B.R. Ambedkar serving as its chairman.

After months of deliberation, the Constitution was completed and adopted on November 26, 1949, a date now celebrated annually as Constitution Day.

The Delhi Metro is considered the lifeline of Delhi and its surrounding areas. With tightened security and safety arrangements in place across the national capital for the Republic Day 2026 ceremony, the Delhi Metro is expected to be one of the most convenient travel options for commuters and spectators.

Here’s what Delhi Metro passengers must know before travelling on January 26:

Delhi Metro Timings on January 26, 2026

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has planned to commence train services at 3:00 AM on all lines on Monday, January 26. It also stated that trains will operate at 15-minute intervals until 6:00 AM. Passengers have been advised to plan their travel in advance and make use of the early metro services to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.

Delhi Metro Stations’ Gates Closed on January 26, 2026

The DMRC has announced that the entry and exit gates of six metro stations will remain closed on January 26 from 3:00 AM until the conclusion of the Republic Day programme. These stations are:

• Central Secretariat (Gates 3 & 4)

• Udyog Bhawan (Gate 1)

• Lal Quila (Gates 3 & 4)

• Jama Masjid (Gates 3 & 4)

• Delhi Gate (Gates 1, 4 & 5)

• ITO (Gates 3, 4 & 6)

Delhi Metro Parking Facility on January 26

The DMRC has clarified that parking facilities at metro stations will remain fully operational on Republic Day.
“The parking facilities at metro stations across the network will remain fully operational on Republic Day, providing additional convenience for those attending the celebrations,” the DMRC said in a statement.

To ensure smooth travel for spectators, Delhi Metro services began early at 3:00 AM on all lines on Republic Day.

This special arrangement has been made to help people reach Kartavya Path and other parts of central Delhi without difficulty.

Trains will operate at 15-minute intervals until 6:00 AM, after which the regular weekday timetable will be followed for the rest of the day.

The Republic Day parade usually begins around 10:00 AM at Kartavya Path. However, spectators are required to reach the venue much earlier.

Entry gates typically open before dawn, and authorities advise people to arrive by 5:00 AM or earlier to complete security checks and reach their designated seating areas on time.

Online ticket sales for the Republic Day parade have closed after being open from January 5 to 14, with no tickets now available on any platform.

Visitors with valid tickets are advised to arrive early, as gates will open at 7:00 AM and strict security checks with ID verification will be in place.