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Republic Day 2026 Parade, Celebrations Live Updates: Every year on January 26, India celebrates Republic Day with great pride and excitement. In 2026, the country marks its 77th Republic Day, a day that holds deep historical and national importance. This year’s Republic Day theme is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, paying tribute to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s iconic song that inspired generations during the freedom struggle.
PM Narendra Modiextends heartfelt greetings for the Republic day 2026 through a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Best wishes on Republic Day. May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat,” the PM wrote.
The biggest attraction of Republic Day is the grand parade in New Delhi. The parade will begin from Rashtrapati Bhavanand cover a distance of around five kilometres up to India Gate. It will showcase marching contingents from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, highlighting India’s defence strength. Around 2,500 artists will perform folk dances and music based on themes such as “Vande Mataram” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
This year, about 30 colourful tableaus will be part of the parade, including 17 from states and Union Territories and 13 from central ministries. These tableaus will reflect India’s rich cultural diversity, from Assam’s tea gardens and Rajasthan’s forts to Kashmir’s valleys and Kerala’s Kathakali.
ALSO READRepublic Day 2026: History, significance, and theme of Parade – Why is it more than just a national holiday
The chief guests for the 2026 Republic Day celebrations are European Council President Antonio Costaand European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Traffic advisory in Delhi for Republic Day 2026
Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Policehas issued a detailed traffic advisory due to the celebrations. Several roads will be closed or diverted, and security will be tight across central and New Delhi. Commuters have been advised to plan their travel in advance and avoid central Delhi during restricted hours.
Read detailed story on Delhi traffic advisoryRepublic Day Parade 2026 Traffic Advisory: Check restricted and different routes
Flag unfurling, parade route and timings
The parade is scheduled to begin from Vijay Chowk. It will pass through Kartavya Path, C-Hexagon, the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose statue, Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, and Netaji Subhash Marg before ending at the Red Fort.
The parade is expected to begin around 9:30 am, shortly after the President of India unfurls the national flag. The flag unfurling ceremony usually takes place around 9:00 am at Kartavya Path. Those who cannot attend in person can watch the parade live on Doordarshan or stream it for free on Doordarshan’s YouTube channel from the comfort of their homes.
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Republic Day 2026: Check here for the Republic Day 2026 Parade, Celebrations, Speech, Chief Guests, Padma Awards 2026 Winner, State-Wise Jhanki
08:13 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: Parade route and timings explained
The parade begins from Vijay Chowk and proceeds along Kartavya Path, passing India Gate before concluding at the Red Fort. The ceremony is scheduled to start around 10:30 am, following the President’s flag unfurling. Millions watch the event live, making it one of the country’s most-watched national ceremonies.
08:00 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: What is the theme for this year?
The theme for Republic Day 2026 is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, honouring Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s iconic national song.
Written in 1876, Vande Mataram inspired countless freedom fighters and became a symbol of resistance and unity. The theme celebrates India’s cultural heritage and enduring national spirit.
07:43 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: Kartavya Path readies for the parade | Watch
Preparations at Kartavya Path are in full swing ahead of the 77th Republic Day Parade. The iconic stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate has been beautifully decorated, with seating arrangements, security installations, and final rehearsals underway. Artists, marching contingents, and officials are putting finishing touches to ensure a flawless ceremony that will showcase India’s cultural heritage, military strength, and national pride.
#watch | Preparation visuals from Kartavya Path ahead of the 77th Republic Day Parade. pic.twitter.com/j3LY0Xdzfj
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
07:34 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: Celebrations across India
Republic Day is celebrated with enthusiasm across cities, towns, and villages. Schools host cultural programmes, debates, and patriotic performances.
Government offices and public spaces witness flag hoisting ceremonies, while families celebrate together. The day brings people together, fostering national unity and reminding citizens of India’s shared journey and achievements.
07:25 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: How to watch the parade live?
For people who wish to watch the parade live at Kartavya Path, the gates will open at 7:00 am. Security checks will be strict, so visitors are advised to arrive early.
Tickets are priced between Rs 20 and Rs 100 and can be booked online through the official Aamantran website or purchased from designated booths at places like Sena Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, and metro stations such as Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate. Visitors must carry a valid ID like Aadhaar, Voter ID, or PAN card.
07:15 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: PM Modi extends Republic Day greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday conveyed warm wishes to the nation on the occasion of Republic Day. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he said, “Best wishes on Republic Day. May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat”.
Best wishes on Republic Day.
May this occasion add renewed energy and enthusiasm in our collective resolve to build a Viksit Bharat.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026
07:09 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: Kartvya Path decked up for parade | Watch
Watch visuals straight from New Delhi's Kartvya Path ahead of Republic Day 2026 parade.
#watch | Preparation visuals from Kartavya Path ahead of the 77th Republic Day Parade. pic.twitter.com/JitWlc9CJ1
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
07:00 (IST) 26 Jan 2026
Republic Day 2026 Parade Live Updates: Hello and welcome to our live blog!
Every year on January 26, India celebrates Republic Day with unmatched pride and patriotic spirit. In 2026, the nation marks its 77th Republic Day, commemorating the historic moment when the Constitution came into force in 1950. This day transformed India into a sovereign, democratic republic, guided by justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in its founding document. Follow this live blog to get all the latest updates on India's 77th Republic Day. |
