Rehearsals are underway for the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path in Delhi. The parade, which showcases India’s culture and strength, will follow a unique blend of 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s military might, and cultural diversity this year. Here is everything you need to know about the theme for January 26, 2026.
Theme For Republic Day Parade In 2026
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh made several key announcements during a recent press conference in New Delhi. According to a report by India.com, the Republic Day 2026 parade will follow a unique theme centred on 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. A series of paintings created by Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923 will be displayed during the parade. These paintings illustrate the verses of ‘Vande Mataram’.
The verses were also published in the ‘Bande Mataram Album’ in 1923. Viewers will see these verses displayed as view cutters along Kartavya Path during the parade this year. Apart from this, a pan-India band performance on the theme ‘Vande Mataram’ will be organised from January 23 to 26. The performance will feature the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and other CAPFs.
A banner depicting ‘Vande Mataram’ will also be unveiled along with rubber balloons when the parade concludes. What’s more? Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, best known for RRR, has been selected to create a fresh musical composition of ‘Vande Mataram’ for this year’s Republic Day Parade. The invitation cards, floral decorations, and tickets for the Republic Day Parade have also been designed around this theme.
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Military Displays To Be Major Highlights
According to India.com, the Indian Army will be represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry and a Battle Array Formation. The parade will include seven marching contingents, HMRVs (High Mobility Recce Vehicle- BFSR and ATGM), Dhruv Helicopters, T-90 tanks, Main Battle Tank Arjun, BMP-II, NAMIS-II Nag Missile System, IOC, UGVs, ATVs, LSVs, Drone Shakti displays, and so much more.
There will be seven marching contingents of the Indian Army. These will include animal contingents featuring Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, and dogs with handlers. Other contingents will include Scouts, Rajput, Assam, JAK LI, Bhairav contingent in ‘Uncha Kadam Taal’, and the Ladakh Scouts. According to a report by India Today, around 2500 artists will be a part of cultural performances during the parade. Plus, around 10,000 people from different walks of life will attend the parade as ‘special guests.’
President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend as the chief guests for this year’s Republic Day Parade.
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All of this sounds exciting, right? So tell us, are you planning to attend the Republic Day Parade in 2026?
Cover Image Courtesy: Delhi Republic Day parade, Wikipedia/ Antônio Milena, and Ministry of Defence
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