India Celebrate 77th Republic Day
Republic Day Parade Marks 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’ with Grand Military Showcase: India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path unfolded in a spectacular display of military strength, cultural diversity, and national pride, led by President Draupadi Murmu. Adding global significance to the occasion, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests.
This year’s celebrations held special importance as the national song “Vande Mataram” completed 150 years, a milestone commemorated through themed performances, tableaux, and historical artwork displayed along the Kartavya Path. The parade venue was grandly decorated, reflecting India’s rich heritage and its journey toward self-reliance.
The celebrations commenced at 10:30 am, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage to fallen soldiers at the National War Memorial before proceeding to the parade venue. President Murmu arrived in a traditional buggy with the EU leaders. The national flag was unfurled to the national anthem, followed by a 21-gun salute fired from an indigenous 105 mm Light Field Gun.
The parade opened with a musical performance by 100 artists, symbolising India’s “unity in diversity,” while helicopters showered flower petals from above. The parade was commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavneesh Kumar.
A powerful showcase of India’s defence capabilities featured systems such as BrahMos, Akash missile system, Arjun battle tank, Shaktibaan rocket system, Suryastra rocket launcher, robotic mules, and indigenous unmanned ground vehicles. For the first time, the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and Shaktiban Regiment marched in the parade. The 61st Cavalry appeared in combat gear, and rare sights such as Zanskar ponies and two-humped Bactrian camels added a unique touch.
Cultural Pride and Combat Power Shine at Republic Day Parade Celebrating ‘Vande Mataram’@150
The fly-past included 29 aircraft, with formations of Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, along with C-130, C-295, and Navy’s P-8i aircraft. Iconic formations such as Vajrang, Varun, Vijay, and Arjan enthralled spectators, concluding with balloons released bearing the words “Vande Mataram.”
A total of 30 tableaux—17 from states and Union Territories and 13 from central ministries—were presented on the themes “Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram” and “Mantra of Prosperity: Self-Reliant India.” These depicted India’s ancient traditions, modern achievements, and developmental vision.
Nearly 10,000 special guests from across the country attended the event, including innovators, start-up founders, self-help group members, and beneficiaries of key government schemes. About 50 couples from each state and UT, residing in Delhi, attended in traditional attire. To facilitate public participation, the Delhi Metro began services at 3 am.
The European Union contingent also marched, displaying EU and EU military flags, symbolising growing India–EU strategic cooperation.
Security arrangements were extremely tight, with 10,000 personnel deployed, supported by AI-enabled smart glasses, facial recognition systems, over 3,000 CCTV cameras, and 30 control rooms operating round the clock.
With over 2,500 cultural artistes performing under the theme “Vande Mataram – The Eternal Echo of India,” the Republic Day Parade 2026 presented a powerful image of India’s military readiness, cultural richness, and confident march toward the future.
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