republic day parade 2026 This year marks the first Republic Day after Operation Sindoor where India is set to showcase its military might. (Photo: Screengrab from The Indian Express Live on YouTube)

IN ITS first Republic Day celebrations after Operation Sindoor, India showcased its military might with a display of fighter jets, indigenously built missiles, newly raised units and lethal weapons used during the military operations last year.

President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen were the chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the theme for which was ‘150 years of Vande Mataram’.

Republic Day Parade 2026 LIVE: 77th Republic Day Parade | PM Modi | Ursula von der Leyen | N18L

77th Republic Day of India, 2026: Reaffirming the Constitutional Promise

By Manisha Waldia

India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, marking the Constitution’s enactment. The theme honors “Vande Mataram’s” 150th anniversary, showcasing cultural heritage and self-reliance. The Kartavya Path parade features 30 tableaux and military prowess. Notably, two EU leaders, Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa, are chief guests, highlighting deepening India-EU ties and India’s global democratic role.

Key Points

India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, honoring the 1950 Constitution.
The theme is the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram,” showcasing heritage and self-reliance.
EU leaders attend as chief guests, highlighting deepening India-EU strategic ties.

On 26 January 2026, India celebrates its 77th Republic Day, marking seventy-seven years since the Constitution of India came into force in 1950. This historic moment transformed India from a dominion into a sovereign democratic republic, anchored in the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Historical Significance: The date 26 January was deliberately chosen to honour the Purna Swaraj declaration of 1930, symbolising complete independence and self-rule. With the adoption of the Constitution, India institutionalised the aspirations of its freedom struggle into a living legal and political framework. As B. R. Ambedkar noted, constitutional morality is not merely political power, it was to guide India’s democratic journey.

Republic Day Celebrations: The grand Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path showcases India’s cultural diversity, military strength, and technological progress. State tableaux, marching contingents, and indigenous defence platforms reflect India’s unity in diversity and growing strategic autonomy.

Constitutional Values in Contemporary India: At 77, the Indian Republic stands at a critical juncture. While India has made remarkable strides in economic growth, digital governance, and global diplomacy, challenges such as social inequality, environmental stress, and democratic accountability persist. Republic Day serves as a reminder that rights must be balanced with duties, and governance must remain people-centric.

India’s Global Role: As the world’s largest democracy, India increasingly acts as a bridge between the Global North and South. Its emphasis on democratic resilience, inclusive development, and rule-based international order gives renewed relevance to its republican ideals on the global stage.

Theme of the 77th Republic Day: The central theme for the 2026 celebrations is the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram”, a tribute to India’s freedom struggle and cultural unity. This theme, woven through tableaux, performances, and artistic displays along Kartavya Path, reflects the enduring spirit of national solidarity and historical memory.

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