The Republic Day 2026 Parade will be held at Kartavya Path in Delhi, with special guests from the European Union. Along with the 61 Cavalry, camels and ponies, the parade will also showcase the Suryastra rocket launcher system and the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion.
Republic Day celebrations in India is significantly marked by a national-level parade. The parade takes place on 26 January every year at Kartavya Path near India Gate in New Delhi. Honourable President Draupadi Murmu will host the flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial to mark the beginning of the event.
While one can buy tickets ranging from Rs. 20 to Rs. 100. online through Aamantran, citizens across the nation can also watch the parade live from the comfort of their homes on this national holiday, fostering a feeling of patriotism and a sense of honour and pride among them.
The 77th Republic Day Parade will be held on 26 January 2026 at 9:30 AM and will be broadcast on All India Radio and prominent media channels. The special theme is Vande Mataram and celebrations after Parade will also include culture performances. Television and news channels will begin live streaming from 10:30 AM. Entry gates will open as early as 7:00 AM. A detailed schedule is to be announced soon.
What makes this Republic Day even more special is the presence of distinguished guests from the European Union. Top European Union leadership has been invited together for India’s Republic Day, signalling a major shift in New Delhi’s engagement with Brussels.
Among the distinguished guests is Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, the European Union’s executive body. She plays a key role in shaping EU policies, overseeing trade negotiations, and representing the bloc on global economic and strategic platforms.
Also attending the Republic Day celebration is AntĂłnio Costa, President of the European Council, who chairs EU summits and represents the collective interests of EU member states. His presence underscores political unity within the European Union and highlights the strengthening ties between India and Europe.
Read the complete instructions and details at Ministry of Home Affairs or download the pdf below:
For the first time, the Republic Day Parade will showcase Suryastra, an advanced Universal Rocket Launcher System with a strike range of 300 km, along with the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, which was introduced in October last year. The parade will also feature Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels, adding a rare and symbolic element to the defence display.
A mounted column of the 61 Cavalry and a special battle array formation will be key highlights of the defence segment of the parade. The defence parade is expected to last around 90 minutes, showcasing the operational strength and preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces.
Captain Harshita Raghav, who will lead the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) contingent, said the contingent will include two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, and several Army dogs. Describing them as “silent warriors,” she said these animals are operationally ready and act as force multipliers for the Army.
Explore our upcoming features, author interviews, and deep-dives into new policy reforms.