Republic Day 2026: 150 Years of Vande Mataram Theme and EU Leaders as Chief Guests

Republic Day 2026 will be observed with exceptional national significance on January 26 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, as India commemorates the 77th anniversary of the Republic. Extensive preparations are underway for the ceremonial parade, which will showcase India’s cultural legacy, military modernisation, and growing global stature in a single, unified celebration.

This year’s celebrations are anchored around the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” honouring the iconic national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The theme will be visually reflected throughout the parade route, with Tejendra Kumar Mitra’s 1923 paintings, inspired by verses of the song, displayed as artistic view-cutters, adding historical and emotional depth to the event.

In a significant diplomatic milestone, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa have been invited as joint chief guests, marking the first time two European Union leaders will attend India’s Republic Day together. Their presence underscores India’s expanding strategic partnership with the European Union.

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The day’s programme will begin at 9:30 a.m., when Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a wreath at the National War Memorial, followed by the parade commencement at 10:30 a.m. The event will be broadcast live on Doordarshan and streamed on PIB and MyGov YouTube channels, ensuring nationwide and global access.

The 90-minute parade will feature several military firsts, highlighting the Indian Army’s modernisation. A new battle array formation will simulate real-world combat scenarios, with reconnaissance units, combat-ready troops, and logistics formations on display. Newly inducted units such as the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, along with advanced platforms like drone warfare systems and rocket launchers, will make their debut.

A total of 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path, centred on the sub-themes “Swatantrata ka Mantr – Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantr – Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” tracing India’s journey from freedom to self-reliance. The celebrations will conclude with a spectacular flypast of 29 aircraft, while unique contingents such as the Army Dog Squad, Bactrian Camel, and Zanskar Pony symbolise India’s diverse operational terrain and military readiness.

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