New Delhi, January 5: India is set to celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with a historic diplomatic gesture and a grand display of its "Atmanirbhar" (self-reliant) military and cultural prowess. For the first time, the top leadership of the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, will attend as the Chief Guests. The Republic Day 2026 event, held at Kartavya Path in Delhi, will center on the theme "Vande Mataram", highlighting national unity and the country’s evolving global partnerships.

Historic Chief Guests and Diplomatic Significance

The invitation to the EU leadership marks a departure from the traditional practice of inviting a single head of state. This move underscores India’s deepening strategic and economic ties with the European Union, particularly as both parties continue negotiations on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. The presence of Von der Leyen and Costa is expected to coincide with an India-EU Summit scheduled around the festivities. India Republic Day 2026 Ticket Details.

Republic Day Parade 2026 Schedule and Highlights

The Republic Day Parade 2026 is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM on January 26. Following the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu and the Chief Guests, the national flag will be unfurled, accompanied by a 21-gun salute.

The 90-minute ceremony will feature:

  • The Flypast: A spectacular aerial display by the Indian Air Force, featuring indigenous aircraft like the Tejas and the LCH Prachand.

  • Military Contingents: Marching units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and paramilitary forces will showcase India's latest defense technology.

  • The "Vande Mataram" Theme: Cultural performances by over 1,500 dancers from across the country will revolve around this patriotic motif.

State Tableaus: A Glimpse of "Viksit Bharat"

A total of 16 states and Union Territories have been selected to present their tableaus this year. These displays are required to align with themes like Swatantrata Ka Mantra (Vande Mataram) or Samriddhi Ka Mantra (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

  • Kerala: Will headline the Kochi Water Metro, India’s first integrated electric water transport system.

  • Other Participating States: Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal will also feature unique cultural and developmental achievements.

Indian Army Animal Contingent

The 2026 Republic Day Parade is set to feature a groundbreaking mix of tradition and high-tech warfare, most notably with the debut of the Indian Army's first-ever animal contingent. This special formation from the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) will include double-humped Bactrian camels and hardy Zanskar ponies, both recently inducted for high-altitude operations in Ladakh and Siachen.

They will be accompanied by "Silent Warriors" - Army dogs featuring indigenous breeds like the Mudhol Hound and Rampur Hound - and even trained raptors (eagles) used for anti-drone surveillance. This contingent, led by a woman officer, underscores the military's "Atmanirbhar" push by integrating native resources into modern defense logistics.

On the technological front, the Para (Parachute) Special Forces will provide a glimpse into the future of urban and remote combat. Their column will showcase recently inducted cutting-edge equipment, including robotic mules capable of carrying 30kg payloads, loitering munitions, and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) armed with Negev light machine guns.

In the mechanized columns, spectators will witness the might of the S-400 Triumf air defense system, BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and the indigenous Akash missile systems. This display of "Operation Sindoor" success and advanced weaponry serves as a firm statement of India's evolving long-range tactical strike capabilities and its focus on technologically-driven warfare.

Republic Day Parade 2026 Ticket Booking and Public Entry

Ticket sales for the parade and the subsequent Beating Retreat ceremony (held on January 29) officially opened today, January 5, 2026.

  • Online: Citizens can book tickets via the official Aamantran portal at www.aamantran.mod.gov.in.

  • Offline: Physical counters are available at locations including Sena Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, and select Metro stations (Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate) from 10 AM to 5 PM.

  • Pricing: Tickets are priced at INR 20 and INR 100, and a valid government ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.) is mandatory for purchase and entry.

Where to Watch Republic Day Parade 2026 Live Streaming

For those unable to attend in person, the entire event will be broadcast live starting at 9:00 AM IST. Viewers can watch the high-definition stream on:

  • Doordarshan (DD National): Live television broadcast and their official YouTube channel.

  • Press Information Bureau (PIB): Live updates and streaming on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter).

  • Prasar Bharati Archives: Available for international viewers online.

Republic Day of India: History and Signigicance

India celebrates Republic Day on January 26 to commemorate the date in 1950 when the Constitution of India officially came into effect, completing the country's transition into a sovereign democratic republic. While India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, it remained a constitutional monarchy under the Government of India Act 1935 for over two years.

The date of January 26 was specifically chosen by the founding fathers to honor the "Purna Swaraj" (Complete Self-Rule) declaration of 1930. Exactly twenty years earlier, the Indian National Congress had unfurled the tricolor and urged Indians to celebrate January 26 as "Independence Day" to reject British dominion status. By enacting the Constitution on this same day in 1950, the nation symbolically linked its new legal identity with its long-standing aspiration for total autonomy.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 03:24 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).