Republic Day of India 2026: Parade, Flag unfurling time, celebrations and all you need to know

Every year, we celebrate the Republic Day of India on January 26 with great enthusiasm and pride. As we mark the 77th Republic Day this year, let's understand the history and significance of this historic day, how it is celebrated, the parade details, flag unfurling time, and more:India's Republic Day marks the historic day when the Constitution of India was officially adopted in the year 1950. This transformed the nation into a sovereign democratic republic. For the unversed, while the Independence Day on August 15, celebrates the day when India finally attained freedom from the British Raj, the Republic Day honours the day when India adopted its Constitution - a document drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and visionaries. On this day, kids in schools organise friendly debates and quizzes, the Indian flag is unfurled in different parts of the country which is a show of our deep patriotism, families exchange sweets, and people don saffron, white, and green (the colours of the Indian flag) with great joy and pride. It's a day to celebrate milestones like economic leaps and space triumphs.This year, as we celebrate the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the theme for this year is "150 years of Vande Mataram" which evokes the great Indian freedom fighter Bankim Chandra Chatterjee's iconic song. Amid internal and global challenges the country is facing today, it reminds us of the nation's spirit of unity in diversity.How India Celebrates Republic Day: Parades and FestivitiesOn the Republic Day of India, the country bursts into life with flag-unfurling ceremonies and cultural programs that are celebrated every with great enthusiasm and pride on this historic day. The President of India (currently Shri Droupadi Murmu) unfurls the tricolor at Kartavya Path (formerly named Rajpath) in New Delhi which is the national capital. This is followed by a spectacular parade which draws millions via live broadcasts.75+ Happy Republic Day Messages, Greetings, Wishes and Quotes for 2026Republic Day Parade detailsThis year, the parade will begin from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, and will march 5 km to the India Gate. It features contingents from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing India's military might. Around 2,500 cultural artists perform folk dances and music on themes like "Vande Mataram" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (which translates to self-reliant India), as per KnowIndia.com.This year, 30 vibrant tableaus (17 from states/UTs, 13 from ministries) are expected to be displayed in the parade. They will highlight the country's rich regional heritage: From Assam's tea gardens to Rajasthan's forts, from the valleys of Kashmir to Kerala's Kathakali. School children also perform synchronised dances and drills, and a 21-gun salute adds grandeur to the whole celebration. The Chief Guest for this year's Republic Day Parade are Mr Antonio Costa - President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen- President of the European Commission, as per reports.The parade is expected to start at 9:30 a.m., right after the flag unfurling by the President of India. It is a beautiful spectacle that tugs at every Indian heartstring. For those who aren't attending the parade, they can watch it from the comforts of their home. You can snuggle up with your family and tune into Doordarshan for the live telecast of the Republic Day Parade on TV, or stream it free on their YouTube channel. Pretty much every news channel across India also shows glimpses of it live, while All India Radio keeps the radio waves buzzing. It's that easy to feel the patriotism from your couch on this day!The flag unfurling ceremony on Republic Day is usually held around 9 am at Kartavya Path, minutes before the Republic Day parade begins.How to watch the parade liveDreaming of soaking in the energy at Kartavya Path in New Delhi? Gates open at 7:00 a.m., so plan to arrive early as security checks are thorough and important. Tickets are priced at just INR 20 to INR 100, so anyone can join the magic.You can book them up online at the official Aamantran website, or hunt down booths at Sena Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, or metro spots like Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate. Pro tip: Bring a valid ID like Aadhaar, Voter ID, or PAN Card - it's your golden ticket in and out.Apart from the parade and tableau, another highlight of this day is when the President of the country honours our everyday heroes with gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, saluting soldiers' unbreakable bravery. Don't miss the heart-melting National Bravery Awards, where courageous kids wave from festooned jeeps, stealing the show.And the grand finale? The Indian Air Force's jaw-dropping flypast! Rafale and Sukhoi-30 jets roar overhead in flawless formations, painting the sky in saffron, white, and green smoke trails that send shivers down your spine. It will give you goosebumps!Happy Republic Day!