Celebrating India's Years as A Sovereign, Democratic Republic

Each year, diplomats and eminent luminaries from the corridors of power, industry and the social whirl join the massive turnout of the populace at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path, formerly Raj Path near Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace. What brings them all together on January 26 is a wonderful opportunity to witness the annual extravaganza spotlighting India’s 77th year as a Republic.

Visitors from all over the world rub shoulders with the citizenry to enjoy this grand annual spectacle which showcases the splendour of India’s history, culture and modern advancement. The Republic Day Parade 26th January 2026 is set to focus on 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and India's journey of self-reliance. Vande Mataram, for the unaware, is India’s national song. Adding more zest to the proceedings this year is the filtering of the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav or the ‘Elixir of energy of independence’, and Atmanirbhar Bharat or ‘Self-reliant India’, the twin clarion calls that have driven the country’s progress in these intervening years. These are a reminder of India’s unabashed patriotism, having shed the yoke of British rule, and its unapologetic ambition to upscale its global relevance with its skills and capabilities.

India celebrates January 26th as Republic Day. This much awaited annual event takes us back to that day in 1950 when the Constitution of India was formally adopted, kicking out the British colonial Government of India Act of 1935 and establishing self-governance with fundamental rights for Indian citizens. This momentous deed transitioned India into a sovereign, democratic republic.Were  you aware that the Constitution of India is the longest written constitution in the world, with 448 Articles in 22 Parts?

Many also don’t know that the date 26th January was, in fact, a deliberate choice as it commemorates the 1930 declaration of Purna Swaraj, or first concrete step for complete independence from the shackles of British Rule, by the Indian National Congress.

The first Republic Day Parade was held on January 26, 1950; Indonesia’s President Sukarno was the Guest of Honour at the event. Check out an old clip.

Around 10,000 special guests have been invited to witness the 77th Republic Day Parade. The European Council President, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, and the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests. 

Visitors are up for a real treat as the grand parade once more marks India’s stature as the world’s largest democracy and its deep commitment to upholding the values of securing all its citizens ‘justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity’. 

It is a vibrant extravaganza highlighting India's legendary cultural diversity, growing military prowess, and remarkable advancements in technology. Amongst the most compelling features are the creative vibrant tableaus from the different states, the line-up of traditional music and folk-dance performances, the marchpasts of contingents of India’s Army, Navy, Air Force, and police and other para-military branches, a showcase of the country’s latest tanks, missiles, and fighter jets— and the flypast trailing the colours of the Indian flag in the skies.

The grand festivities wrap up three days later, on 29th January with the Beating Retreat Ceremony at Vijay Chowk, near Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. This moving ceremony, held in the twilight, witnesses the live performances of the bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and the Central Armed Police Force. The ceremony is presided over by the President of India, who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces. It serves as a tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces. This well attended event each year would end with Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite hymn “Abide with Me”.

This is an unmissable event if you want to witness the microcosm of India’s heady progress over the years set against a spectacle of its legendary vibrant multi-faceted cultural delights.