On January 26, 2026, Kartavya Path will once again become the country’s most powerful stage—where India doesn’t just celebrate its Constitution, but celebrates its journey.

This year, the Republic Day Parade (RDP) 2026 is being planned as a grand national experience that blends emotion, excellence, and energy—anchored in a theme that has shaped India’s identity for generations: 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.

From rare 1923 paintings lining the route, to pan-India band performances echoing the same spirit across the country, from a first-ever Battle Array formation by the Indian Army to 30 tableaux narrating India’s progress, the 2026 celebrations promise to be a tribute that feels both timeless and modern.

The broad contours of this year’s Republic Day celebrations were shared at a press conference in New Delhi on January 16, 2026, by Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, who outlined how this year’s parade will bring together India’s military might, cultural diversity, and citizen participation on an unprecedented scale.

Chief Guests: Two European Leaders to Witness India’s Grandest Celebration

Adding a major international highlight to the parade, India will welcome two prominent European leaders as the Chief Guests for RDP 2026:

• Mr Antonio Costa, President of the European Council
• Ms Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Their presence is a strong diplomatic signal—reflecting India’s deepening engagement with the European Union and the growing importance of partnerships shaped by shared priorities such as technology, trade, sustainability, security cooperation, and democratic values.

At Kartavya Path, where tradition meets national pride, this global presence adds an extra layer of significance to a celebration that already commands the attention of the world.

The Theme That Touches Every Indian: 150 Years of Vande Mataram

Some national songs are symbols. Some become a nation’s heartbeat.

In 2026, the Republic Day Parade will centre around 150 years of Vande Mataram—a song that has carried India’s emotions through the freedom struggle and continues to inspire a sense of unity and pride.

It is not just a theme—it is a feeling that will shape the parade’s visuals, performances, and storytelling.

A Rare Artistic Tribute from 1923

One of the most visually captivating elements of RDP 2026 will be the display of a series of paintings created by Shri Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923, illustrating the verses of Vande Mataram.

Originally published in the historic ‘Bande Mataram Album’ (1923), these paintings will be displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path, transforming the parade route into a moving gallery of patriotism and heritage.

A Finale Built for Emotion

As the parade concludes, a banner depicting ‘वंदेमातरम्’ will be unveiled, accompanied by the release of rubber balloons—a moment designed to leave spectators with a sense of celebration, unity, and upliftment.

Vande Mataram in Every Detail

The theme will be reflected across the entire Republic Day experience through:

• Floral decorations in front of the rostrum/dais based on the theme
• Invitation cards and tickets designed around Vande Mataram
• Theme videos played on screens along Kartavya Path
• Tableaux aligned under the broader themes:
  
  • “स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम”
  • “समृद्धि का मंत्र – आत्मनिर्भर भारत”
    

A National Soundtrack: Pan-India Band Performances from Jan 19–26

The Republic Day spirit will not remain limited to Delhi. From January 19 to 26, 2026, pan-India band performances will be organised on the theme of Vande Mataram by:

• Indian Army
• Indian Navy
• Indian Air Force
• Indian Coast Guard
• Other CAPFs

Among the most symbolic venues is the ancestral home and birthplace of Rishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay at Kanthalpara, Naihati, North 24 Parganas (West Bengal)—presently known as Bankim Bhawan Gaveshana Kendra.

It is a deeply meaningful touch: the melody that once stirred a nation returns to its birthplace—this time as a celebration of a confident and self-reliant India.

Citizens at the Centre: 1.61 Lakh Participation and Winners Invited

Public engagement has been a major highlight of the celebrations. Competitions and quizzes held on MyGov and My Bharat portals on the themes of Vande Mataram and Aatmanirbhar Bharat received a total participation of 1,61,224.

To recognise this large-scale participation:

• The top 30 winners will receive cash prizes
• The top 200 winners have been invited to witness Republic Day Celebrations 2026

This is Republic Day not just as a televised event, but as a participatory movement.

Indian Army’s Big First: Battle Array Formation to Debut at RDP

The Republic Day Parade has always been a showcase of discipline. In 2026, it will also become a showcase of battlefield readiness.

For the first time, the Indian Army will present a Battle Array Formation, marking a major milestone in the parade’s history. It is expected to be a defining visual of RDP 2026—demonstrating coordination, strength, speed, and modern combat capability.

What the Army Will Showcase

The Army’s representation will include:

• A Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry
• A Battle Array Formation (first time)
• Seven marching contingents
• A mechanised column featuring advanced platforms and systems

Mechanised Column: Modern Strength on Display

The mechanised columns will include:

• HMRV (High Mobility Recce Veh – BFSR & ATGM)
• Dhruv helicopter
• T-90 and Arjun Main Battle Tanks
• BMP-II and NAMIS-II Nag Missile System
• IOC (Integrated Operational Centre)
• UGVs (Unmanned Ground Vehicles)
• ATV (All Terrain Vehicle)
• LSV (Light Strike Vehicle) with trailer (Robotic Mules & UGV)
• Shaktiban
• ATAGS and Dhanush
• URLS and BrahMos
• Akash & MRSAM
• Drone Shakti
• Glacier ATV

Marching Contingents: Heritage, Discipline, Pride

A total of seven marching contingents will march post the saluting dais. A unique highlight will be the animal contingent, comprising:

• Zanskar ponies
• Bactrian camels
• Dogs with handlers

Contingents such as SCOUTS, RAJPUT, ASSAM, JAK LI, ARTY, BHAIRAV (in ‘Uncha Kadam Taal’) and Ladakh Scouts will add both tradition and high-energy discipline to the parade.

18 Marching Contingents, 13 Bands and a Sky-High Grand Finale

The parade will feature:

• 18 marching contingents
• 13 bands

The flypast—one of the most awaited moments—will feature aircraft including:
Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, Mi-17, in different formations.

With the roar of engines overhead and the precision of formations in the sky, the flypast will deliver a thrilling final note to a day of national pride.

A Special Tribute: Indian Air Force Veterans’ Tableau

Adding depth to the celebration will be a special veterans’ tableau by the Indian Air Force, offering a glimpse of veterans’ contributions in strengthening the nation.

It is a reminder that the spirit of service does not end with active duty—it continues through mentorship, leadership, and lifelong commitment to the country.

10,000 Special Guests: Republic Day as a Celebration of Everyday Excellence

One of the most meaningful aspects of RDP 2026 is the scale of inclusion. Around 10,000 people from all walks of life have been invited as Special Guests to witness the parade at Kartavya Path.

These guests include achievers and beneficiaries from categories such as:

• winners of international sports tournaments
• farmers practising natural farming
• best performers under agriculture and self-reliance missions
• women entrepreneurs and SHG leaders
• artisans trained under key skill and craft programmes
• scientists and technical experts involved in ISRO and DRDO missions
• researchers from medical, industrial and ocean-related missions
• My Bharat volunteers, students and youth achievers

By placing these citizens prominently at Kartavya Path, the celebration becomes a reflection of modern India—where progress is built not only by institutions, but by individuals.

30 Tableaux: India’s Diversity Rolls Down Kartavya Path

A total of 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path in 2026:

• 17 from States/UTs
• 13 from Ministries/Departments/Services

These tableaux will represent India’s cultural richness, heritage, innovation, tourism, development goals, and the spirit of self-reliance.

From craft villages and folk festivals to EV hubs and digital progress, the tableaux will be a moving storybook of a nation that is proud of its roots and confident about its future.

2,500 Artists, One Unifying Performance

The cultural segment will feature approximately 2,500 artists, making Kartavya Path a stage of unity and artistic grandeur.

The performance theme:

• “स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम”
• “समृद्धि का मंत्र – आत्मनिर्भर भारत”

The creative team includes:

• Shri M.M. Keeravani as Music Director
• Shri Subhash Sehgal as Lyricist
• Shri Anupam Kher as Narrator
• Shri Santosh Nair as Choreographer
• Under overall supervision and direction of Dr Sandhya Purecha
• Creative design and costumes by Smt Sandhya Raman

This is expected to be one of the most visually spectacular parts of the day—bringing together rhythm, storytelling, and national pride in one grand moment.

A Republic Day That Feels Like a National Experience

Republic Day Parade 2026 is not being built as a single event. It is being built as a complete national experience—one that honours India’s past, showcases its present, and speaks to its future.

With Vande Mataram turning 150, Kartavya Path will carry not just marching footsteps—but echoes of history.
With the Battle Array debut, the parade will signal modern strength and preparedness.
With 10,000 special guests and lakhs of participants, it will become a true celebration of people-led progress.
And with 30 tableaux and 2,500 artists, it will remind the world that India’s culture is not just preserved—it is performed, lived, and proudly carried forward.

On January 26, 2026, as the final salute is taken and the last aircraft formation passes overhead, one emotion will unite the crowd, the screens, and the nation:

Vande Mataram—then, now, and always.