India's Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, are set to be a vibrant display of military prowess, cultural diversity, and technological advancement, all interwoven with the theme of "150 years of Vande Mataram". The event will mark a unique tribute to the national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in the 1870s, which holds immense cultural and patriotic significance for India.
The celebrations will feature a series of paintings by Tejendra Kumar Mitra, created in 1923 and illustrating the verses of "Vande Mataram," displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path. A banner depicting 'वंदेमातरम्' will be unveiled, accompanied by the release of rubber balloons at the parade's conclusion. From January 19 to 26, pan-India band performances on the "Vande Mataram" theme will be organized by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and other CAPFs. These performances will also take place at the ancestral home of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in West Bengal.
Adding to the spectacle, the Indian Army will showcase its might through a "phased battle array formation" for the first time. This display will illustrate how a battle unfolds in real-time, starting with reconnaissance and escalating to a strike. Key assets, including indigenous platforms, will roll down Kartavya Path, demonstrating India's growing defense manufacturing capabilities. The Bhairav light commando battalion, a newly raised unit designed to bridge the gap between infantry and special forces, will make its Republic Day Parade debut. The parade will also feature the Shaktiban regiment, focusing on future warfare, and the Drone Shakti initiative, promoting indigenous drone development.
The mechanized columns will feature HMRV, Dhruv Heptr, T-90, Main Battle Tank Arjun, BMP-II & NAMIS-II Nag Missile System, IOC, UGVs, ATV, LSV with Trailer (Robotic Mules & UGV), Shaktiban, ATAGS and Dhanush, URLS and Brahmos, Akash & MRSAM, Drone Shakti and Glacier ATV. A flypast will showcase Rafale, Su-30, P8I, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 aircraft in different formations.
Around 10,000 special guests from various backgrounds, recognized for their contributions to nation-building in areas like income and employment generation, technology, innovation, and start-ups, have been invited to witness the parade. The event will also feature 2,500 artists performing cultural programs, showcasing classical, folk, and tribal dance forms.
This year, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the Chief Guests for the Republic Day Parade.
