NEW DELHI, India, January 26, 2026: Under a crisp winter sky, India today transformed the historic Kartavya Path into a grand stage of national pride, celebrating its 77th Republic Day with a spectacle that bridged the gap between ancient heritage and futuristic ambition. The atmosphere was electric, echoing with the theme of “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” as a billion hearts beat in unison to the rhythm of the marching boots and the roar of indigenous fighter jets.
The morning began with a touch of timeless tradition. President Droupadi Murmu, accompanied by the Chief Guests, President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, arrived in a ceremonial horse-drawn buggy. The inclusion of the EU leadership marked a historic first, as a military contingent from the European Union marched down the boulevard, signaling India’s expanding global footprint.
India’s military might on full display at 77th R-Day celebrations on Kartavya Path
The parade was not just a show of strength, but a narrative of self-reliance. For the first time, the Indian Army showcased a “Battle Array Format,” a tactical display that integrated ground forces with aerial support. The stars of the show were the indigenous weapon systems, the Suryastra Rocket Launcher, BrahMos missiles, and the Nag Mk-2—many of which carried the legacy of “Operation Sindoor.” As the T-90 Bhishma and Arjun tanks rolled past, the sky above hummed with the precision of Apache and Prachand helicopters, illustrating a nation ready to defend its sovereignty on any front.
In his address to the nation Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his X said Best wishes on Republic Day. May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat.
Beyond the steel and gunpowder, the heart of the Republic Day 2026 celebration lay in its people and stories. A curated animal contingent featuring Bactrian camels and Zanskar ponies reminded spectators of the rugged terrains our soldiers guard, while a stunning tableau by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, titled “Bharat Gatha,” turned the boulevard into a cinematic tribute to India’s civilizational wisdom.
77th Republic Day: 150 Years of Vande Mataram Takes Center Stage
The emotional high point of the ceremony arrived when President Murmu conferred the Ashoka Chakra upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. Having recently scripted history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla stood as a symbol of India’s soaring “Gaganyaan” dreams.
From Space to Stars: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and Film Legend Dharmendra Honoured at R-Day
The spirit of excellence extended into the civilian honours announced on the eve of the Republic Day parade. The posthumous Padma Vibhushan for the legendary “He-Man” of Indian cinema, Dharmendra, brought a poignant moment of reflection. His wife, Hema Malini, expressed that the honour was a well-deserved tribute to a star who inspired generations. Meanwhile, actor R Madhavan, awarded the Padma Shri, shared his gratitude, calling the recognition a “deep responsibility” toward the arts.
From the soul-stirring “Vividata Mein Ekta” musical performance by 100 folk artistes to the final, thundering flypast that painted the tricolor across the Delhi horizon, the 77th Republic Day was more than a parade; it was a vivid reminder that India is a nation that remembers its past, honours its heroes, and looks fearlessly toward the stars.
