New Delhi: The 2026 Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path will showcase an exclusive fusion of India’s military power and rich cultural diversity, with the theme “Swatantrata ka mantra – Vande Mataram” celebrating the 150th anniversary of India’s national song.
The visual representation of Vande Mataram will also be exhibited across Kartavya Path.
António Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, are chief guests at this year’s parade.
The parade will showcase India’s indigenous defence capacities by displaying BrahMos cruise missiles, Akash surface-to-air defense systems, Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM), C-295 aircraft, and Light Combat Helicopters (LCH).
To increase citizen participation, 10,000 individuals from diverse backgrounds have been invited—artisans, people from the transgender community, start-up incubators, researchers, scientists and self-help groups. Also in the list of invitees are people who have undertaken exemplary work in the spheres of income and employment generation, and agriculture.
Military & marching contingent
For the first time, this year’s Republic Day parade will show a battle array formation, recreating a live combat scene accompanied by seven 61 cavalry units and seven marching contingents.
The parade will also include animal contingents with dogs of Indian breeds such as Mudhol Hounds, Rampur Hounds, and Rajapalayams alongside Labradors and German shepherds.
Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will also mark their debut as part of the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps, crucial for the armed forces to manage logistics in high altitudes and challenging terrains.
The marching contingent of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, with their covered faces, will register their first presence at the 77th Republic Day parade, and the Ladakh Scouts, clad in their distinctive white camouflage uniforms, will also be part of the marching contingent. In total, 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands will participate.
The mechanised columns will feature platforms such as T-90 tanks, Arjun main battle tanks, BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery systems, drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and specialised all-terrain platforms.
The naval contingent of the European Union (EU) will also participate in the parade.
Cultural performances and tableaux
In total, 30 tableaux from different states, Union territories, ministries, and government departments will participate. The theme will broadly highlight Vande Mataram through the freedom struggle, self-reliance, and innovation in culture, heritage, and national development.
Nearly 2,500 artists will perform around the themes of Vande Mataram and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The government, this time, has increased the seating capacity. Free metro travel and park-and-ride facilities will be provided to ticket holders, while all enclosures will be divyang-friendly.
A post-event Swachhta campaign involving NCC cadets and volunteers has been organised too.
(Edited by Niyati Kothiyal)
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