India Marks 77th Republic Day With Grand Parade

India’s 77th Republic Day was marked by a vibrant display of unity, tradition, and technological prowess on January 26, 2026, as the nation came together to celebrate the adoption of its Constitution and the values it enshrines. The grand parade, held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, drew dignitaries, political leaders, and citizens from across the country, as well as prominent international guests, in a spectacle that underscored India’s diversity and aspirations.

The day began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial, laying a wreath at the historical India Gate. As per India Today, President Droupadi Murmu commenced the official Republic Day ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan, soon joined by the chief guests—President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen—who arrived in the traditional buggy escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.

The 77th Republic Day parade, a highlight of the annual celebrations, featured a dazzling array of military might and cultural tableaux. According to NDTV, the Indian Air Force capped off the event with a breathtaking flypast of Rafale and C-295 fighter jets, thrilling the crowd and demonstrating the nation’s aerial strength. The Indian Air Force also showcased helicopters carrying the flag of Operation Sindoor, while Apache helicopters and the Akash Weapon System were prominently displayed.

Among the most notable moments was the honoring of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who received the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. Shukla made history in 2025 as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, a feat celebrated nationally. Colonel Sofia Qureshi, a key figure during Operation Sindoor, was also recognized with the Vishisht Seva Medal, reflecting the parade’s emphasis on valor and service.

The parade’s military segment was further bolstered by the display of DRDO’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LR-AShM), the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, and the Suryastra Universal Rocket Launcher System. Artillery systems such as the DHANUSH 155 mm and the AMOGH Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) rolled down Kartavya Path, painting a powerful picture of India’s defense capabilities. The Indian Coast Guard contingent, led by Assistant Commandant Nishi Sharma, marched proudly, embodying the motto "Vayam Rakshamah—We Protect," and underscoring India’s maritime strength.

Cultural diversity was on full display through 30 tableaux—17 from states and Union Territories, and 13 from various ministries and services—each highlighting unique aspects of India’s heritage and progress. Bengal’s tableau depicted the state’s pivotal role in the Freedom Movement, while Madhya Pradesh celebrated the legacy of Ahilyabai Holkar with a striking sculpture and a nod to the architectural heritage of Maheshwar Ghat. Maharashtra’s tableau, themed "Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta," showcased the creation of Lord Ganesh idols, with a grand scene of a traditional dhol being played and a sculptor at work.

Other states also seized the opportunity to spotlight their achievements and traditions. Kerala’s tableau highlighted the country’s first Water Metro and its achievement of 100% digital literacy, aligning with the theme "Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat." Chhattisgarh showcased India’s first digital museum, honoring tribal heroes from the freedom struggle, while Himachal Pradesh’s tableau embodied the spirit of "Dev Bhoomi, Veer Bhoomi." Odisha, Manipur, Punjab, Gujarat, and Nagaland each presented vibrant tableaus, with Punjab commemorating the 350th year of martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, and Gujarat emphasizing the role of "Vande Mataram" in igniting the spirit of Swadeshi and self-reliance during the national movement.

This year’s Republic Day theme, "150 years of Vande Mataram," was brought to life by a special performance of the national song at Kartavya Path, featuring 2,500 artists from across the country. The celebrations also included daredevil bike stunts, adding excitement and flair, while the Akash Weapon System and the ABHRA Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System (MRSAM) were showcased, highlighting India’s technological advancements in defense.

The parade was not only a display of strength and culture but also a stage for political leaders to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution and the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X, “On this Republic Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all. Let us reaffirm our commitment to the core values of our Constitution—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Let us strive towards plurality, diversity, inclusiveness and social harmony. I am reminded today of the old saying: eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. I urge everyone today to exercise this vigil. Our republic and our Constitution today demand our collective vigilance. Today, I salute to all our freedom fighters, all the makers of our Constitution, as well as all our jawans and common citizens of India.”

Union Minister Chirag Paswan echoed these sentiments, stating, “Today is the day when we need to reiterate our resolve that this country will not be run on the basis of caste or religion; this country will be run solely on the basis of the Constitution. My government is fully committed to strictly adhering to the Constitution. In our country, people of different castes, religions, and faiths live together, and respecting their sentiments, I want to assure you again today that we all together should resolve that the Constitution is supreme...”

International goodwill was also prominent. French President Emmanuel Macron sent warm greetings, calling his previous Republic Day visit a “beautiful memory” and expressing eagerness for future collaboration. European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa attended as chief guests, underlining the growing India-EU partnership. Von der Leyen remarked, “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.” US Ambassador Sergio Gor attended the parade for the first time, describing the sight of US-made aircraft flying in the Indian sky as “a powerful symbol of the growing US-India strategic partnership.”

Celebrations were not confined to the capital. Across India, state leaders and ministers participated in local flag-hoisting ceremonies and distributed sweets to security personnel, reinforcing the day’s spirit of unity and gratitude. Karnataka Law Minister HK Patil attended events in Gadag, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma unfurled the flag in Dibrugarh, and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma did so in Jaipur. Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Umang Singhar joined ceremonies at the State Congress Office, while Kerala’s special representative KV Thomas led celebrations at Kerala House in Delhi.

This Republic Day, India’s 77th, was more than a commemoration; it was a vivid assertion of the country’s enduring commitment to its founding ideals, a showcase of its progress, and a celebration of the unity in its diversity. From the roar of fighter jets to the rhythms of cultural performances, the day left an indelible mark on all who witnessed it.