India's Republic Day 2026 is set to showcase the nation's growth story, highlighting advancements from the agricultural sector to technological achievements in microchip development. The parade will represent the country's journey towards "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) while celebrating its cultural heritage.

The celebrations will be held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with President of the European Council Mr. Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen as the Chief Guests. The theme for the Republic Day 2026 is "150 Years of Vande Mataram", honoring the legacy of the song composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Approximately 2,500 cultural artists will perform on Kartvyapath, with the theme of the performance being "स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र - वंदे मातरम" and "समृद्धि का मंत्र - आत्मनिर्भर भारत".

Makhana: A Symbol of Agricultural Progress

Makhana, also known as fox nut, is a lotus seed gaining recognition as a superfood. India dominates the global makhana industry, with Bihar contributing about 85% of the total production. The makhana industry in India is currently valued at ₹8.5 billion and is expected to reach ₹19.6 billion by 2033, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate of 9.22%. The crop is primarily cultivated in Bihar, with districts such as Madhubani, Darbhanga, and Sitamarhi serving as key hubs due to their favorable climate and fertile soil. In 2022, Bihar's makhana received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, further boosting its appeal in domestic and international markets. The government is actively promoting the makhana industry, recognizing its economic and agricultural potential.

The rise in awareness of makhana's nutritional benefits, its gluten-free nature, and versatility have contributed to its increasing demand. It's low in calories, fat, and sodium, and a good source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals. This has led to its incorporation into various functional foods, including protein bars, cereals, and gluten-free snacks.

Microchips: India's Foray into Semiconductor Technology

India is strategically investing in the semiconductor industry to become a major global supplier. The government has approved 10 semiconductor-related units, with commercial production expected to begin at four plants in 2026. These include CG Semi, Kaynes Technology, Micron Technology, and Tata Electronics' Assam facility.

Microchip Technology, a global semiconductor company, is expanding its presence in India. The company has been present in India since 2000, with over 2,500 employees involved in product design and development. Microchip recently expanded its operations in Bengaluru with a new facility to strengthen its IC design and engineering capabilities. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that India aims to be among the major semiconductor hubs by 2028, supported by design initiatives involving 23 startups and skill development programs across 313 universities.

Other Key Sectors

India's economic growth is also fueled by other key sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, consumer discretionary spending, and real estate. The government's "Make in India" initiative is boosting the manufacturing sector, attracting foreign investments and promoting domestic production. The services sector, including IT, finance, and business process outsourcing, contributes significantly to India's GDP.

Republic Day Celebrations

The Republic Day parade will feature 30 tableaux from States/UTs and Central Government Departments, showcasing the themes of "Swatantrata ka mantra – Vande Mataram" and "Samriddhi ka mantra – Atmanirbhar Bharat". The Ministry of Culture will present a tableau on '150 Years of Vande Mataram', highlighting the national song as an expression of India's civilizational memory and cultural continuity. The celebrations will also include cultural performances by 2,500 artists and a flypast by the Indian Air Force.

India's Republic Day 2026 aims to showcase the nation's diverse achievements and its commitment to economic growth and self-reliance across various sectors.