77th Republic Day parade concludes with grand tribute to constitution, unity and national strength

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted people gathered at Kartavya Path in Delhi as they arrived to witness the 77th Republic Day Parade.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unfurled the National Flag in Dibrugarh on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day.

India has announced the Padma Awards 2026, one of the country’s highest civilian honours, on the eve of Republic Day, recognising 131 individuals for their exceptional contributions across diverse fields such as arts, public affairs, sports, medicine, science, social work and more. This year’s list includes five Padma Vibhushan recipients, like veteran actor Dharmendra (posthumous) and former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan, 13 Padma Bhushan honourees including singer Alka Yagnik, actor Mammootty, banker Uday Kotak and tennis legend Vijay Amritraj, and 113 Padma Shri awardees spanning grassroots contributors to celebrated figures such as cricketer Rohit Sharma, women’s hockey star Harmanpreet Kaur and others. The awards reflect India’s rich talent and dedication to national service and excellence.

Tricolour balloons were released at Kartavya Path as the Chief Guests, alongside President Murmu and PM Modi, prepared to depart for Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The Indian Air Force commenced its spectacular aerial displays and precision formation flying over Kartavya Path, thrilling spectators with maneuvers showcasing the skill, discipline, and advanced capabilities of India’s fighter jets and transport aircraft.

The EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, donned an elegant Banarasi brocade sherwani, calling it a lifetime honour to be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. She added that a strong and successful India contributes to global stability, prosperity, and security.

French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated India’s 77th Republic Day by sharing a nostalgic photo with his “dear friend” Prime Minister Modi, adding the caption, “See you in February.” The warm social media post highlights the strong personal rapport between the two leaders while confirming Macron’s upcoming visit to India next month, signaling continued momentum in the Indo-French strategic partnership.

The Republic Day tableaux on Kartavya Path offered a vibrant showcase of India’s heritage and achievements. Chhattisgarh’s tableau presented the nation’s first tribal digital museum and honored tribal freedom heroes, while Assam celebrated Asharikandi village, the country’s largest hub of traditional Assamese terracotta artisans, under the theme of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Gujarat paid homage to Bhikhaji Cama and other revolutionaries on the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram,’ and Tamil Nadu highlighted its “Mantra of Prosperity: Self-Reliant India.” Himachal Pradesh portrayed itself as ‘Dev Bhoomi,’ Jammu & Kashmir displayed exquisite craftsmanship, Nagaland showcased the Hornbill Festival as a model of culture-driven tourism, and Punjab commemorated the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji.

Under the leadership of Deputy Commandant Mahendra Pal Singh Rathore, the BSF’s camel contingent, led by his camel Chetak, paraded along Kartavya Path. Leading the procession were the majestic camels, followed by the unique Camel Mounted Band.

The contingent includes three SOs and 50 camel riders. Known as the “ships of the desert,” these camels are essential companions for BSF personnel navigating the harsh Thar Desert and the Rann of Kutch.

Bringing up the rear is the world’s only Camel Mounted Band, led by Band Master Sub Inspector Amal Chatopadhyay, performing ‘Hum Hai Seema Suraksha Bal.’ Established in 1986–87 by the Rajasthan Frontier, the band remains a highlight of Desert and Marwar Festivals.

In a powerful moment of military pride, the 77th Republic Day parade witnessed a spectacular aerial display as Mi-17 1V helicopters soared over Kartavya Path, trooping the Operation Sindoor flag. Led by Group Captain Alok Ahlawat, the formation showered flower petals over the cheering crowds, symbolising India’s recent aerial dominance.

A remarkable moment in India’s Republic Day celebrations is set to unfold this year as 26-year-old Assistant Commandant Simran Bala from Jammu and Kashmir takes command of an all-male contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Her leadership of more than 140 male personnel will be a landmark occasion for the nation’s largest paramilitary force and a proud testament to women’s growing role in the security forces.

30 tableaux – 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries/Departments/Services – are featuring in the 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. These displays are themed around “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” celebrating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and India’s journey toward self‑reliance and progress.

The Assam tableau leads the state’s contingent down Kartavya Path, spotlighting the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of the region. For Republic Day 2026, Assam’s display highlights the terracotta art of Asharikandi village in Dhubri district — a traditional craft that has gained national recognition and a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, symbolizing cultural resilience and economic empowerment of local artisans, especially women.

The Indian Air Force showcased a spectacular aerial tribute on Republic Day, symbolising its journey from Sangram to nation-building and highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding and serving India.

The European Union (EU) military contingent marched along Kartavya Path in Delhi, led by Colonel Frederik Simon Spruijt. Representing the Director General of the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), he rode a ceremonial Gypsy, marking the EU’s distinguished participation in the Republic Day celebrations.

The Indian Army leads the parade with several units, including seven distinct marching groups, a mounted column from the historic 61 Cavalry and the first-ever Army phased battle array formation. These include mixed Scouts from units such as the Arunachal, Ladakh, Sikkim, Garhwal and Kumaon Scouts, the Rajput Regiment, the Assam Regiment, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, the Regiment of Artillery, and the newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion making its debut.

An animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) highlights India’s environmental adaptability, featuring horses, camels and military dogs. The Indian Navy and Indian Air Force contribute their own contingents, emphasising jointness across services.

Uniformed forces such as CRPF, led by Assistant Commandant Simran Bala — the first woman to command an all‑male contingent — march alongside other Central Armed Police Forces. Civilian representations include Delhi Police, NCC (National Cadet Corps) and youth formations.

In a historic first, a European Union contingent with four flag bearers advances down Kartavya Path, highlighting India’s international engagement.

Together with 13 military bands, these 18 contingents provide a vibrant, dynamic showcase of India’s defence capabilities, heritage and unity as the nation celebrates its Republic Day.

The Indian Army has begun officially deploying these animals in Eastern Ladakh, employing them to carry supplies, ammunition, and equipment in areas where vehicles and machinery often struggle.

The Bhairav battalion, formed in October 2025 to bridge conventional infantry and special forces, makes its Republic Day parade debut after appearing at Jaipur’s Army Day. Marching with the Remount Veterinary Corps, the contingent features four Zanskar ponies, two Bactrian camels, four raptors, and Army dogs, highlighting India’s military diversity. Another first is the Suryastra rocket launcher, developed by Pune’s NIBE Limited with Israel’s Elbit Systems. India’s first multi-calibre, long-range precision launcher, it strikes targets up to 300 km with under five-metre accuracy and can deploy loitering munitions up to 100 km, adding strategic versatility to the armed forces.

MI-17 helicopters showered flower petals as Parade Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar led the parade along Kartavya Path.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has been honoured with the Ashok Chakra for his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS). His 18-day stay in orbit provided critical data for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission.

India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, reached the saluting base, accompanied by the President’s Bodyguard, officially signalling the start of the ceremony.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm reception to the EU’s top leadership—Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa—as they joined the nation for the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the country, at the National War Memorial, marking the commencement of the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Today, India celebrates its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade at Kartavya Path. Here are five unique facts about this historic event:

1. Unique venue history: For the first five years (1950–1954), the parade moved between venues like Irwin Stadium and Red Fort before Kartavya Path became its permanent home in 1955.

2. Synchronised 21-gun salute: Using vintage guns, the salute is timed perfectly to last exactly 52 seconds, matching the duration of the National Anthem.

3. Flag ritual: Unlike Independence Day’s “hoisting,” the flag is “unfurled” on Republic Day because the nation is already independent.

4. 2026 theme: This year’s theme, “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” honours the national song alongside guests from the European Union.

5. Preparation rigour: Soldiers begin their day at 2:00 am, concluding months of practice totaling nearly 600 hours for a 90-minute display.

Large crowds have assembled along Kartavya Path to catch a glimpse of the grand Republic Day 2026 parade. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior dignitaries are expected to arrive shortly for the celebrations.