New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu presided over the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, by unfurling the national flag and led the nation in commemorating the historic day.
National Anthem, 21-Gun Salute and Traditional Buggy Return
The National Flag was unfurled amidst the playing of the National Anthem, followed by a thunderous 21-gun salute performed using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
President Murmu, along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the Chief Guests for the Republic Day celebrations, were welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the saluting base at Kartavya Path.
As part of the tradition, the President and the Chief Guests were escorted to Kartavya Path by the President’s Bodyguard, ‘Rashtrapati ke Angarakshak’, the seniormost regiment of the Indian Army. Reviving a tradition discontinued for 40 years, they arrived in the ‘Traditional Buggy, adding a regal charm to the celebrations.
The Prime Minister and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also welcome Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan.
This year’s Republic Day Parade will uniquely blend 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s military might, including the BrahMos and Akash missiles, and rich cultural diversity through 30 vibrant tableaux.
This is the first Republic Day Parade to be held after Operation Sindoor last year and promises a special display of military might through cutting-edge defence platforms and a grand flypast by 29 aircraft.
29-Aircraft Flypast to Feature Advanced Fighters and Helicopters
The flypast will showcase Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, Mi-17 in different formations.
The Republic Parade will feature cutting-edge defence platforms and a spectacular cultural performance by 2,500 artists, celebrating Vande Mataram and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
Meanwhile, participants of ‘Mann ki Baat’, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio show, will join construction workers of Kartavya Bhawan, Lakhpati Didis, and about 10,000 other special guests from different fields, who will witness the Republic Day Parade.
Special Guests Recognised for Nation-Building
According to the Defence Ministry, the special guest list includes those who have carried out exemplary work in income and employment generation, best innovators, researchers and start-ups, self-help groups and best performers under key government initiatives.
The nation is celebrating its 77th Republic Day today, with President Droupadi Murmu leading the celebrations from Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The Republic Day Parade will commence at 10:30 AM and will last for approximately 90 minutes.
Themes of 77th Republic Day 2026
The parade will showcase a vibrant blend of India’s rich cultural diversity and formidable military strength. This year’s themes are “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” The event will begin with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. President Murmu will then arrive at Kartavya Path and receive a ceremonial salute during the march past, featuring contingents from the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS.
Chief Guests Grace Republic Day Parade
The Chief Guests for the occasion are President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The parade will include 30 tableaux from States, Union Territories, and Central Government Ministries and Departments, highlighting 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram alongside India’s progress driven by self-reliance across various sectors.
Military Might on Display at Kartavya Path
A Tri-services tableau titled “Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness” will depict the unity and integrated strength of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Seven Indian Army marching contingents, including the animal contingent, will march past the saluting dais, while a total of 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands of the Army will participate. For the first time, the Army will also present a Battle Array Format.
The celebrations will conclude with a flypast by 29 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, C-295, MiG-29, and Apache helicopters.
Cultural Performances and Special Guests
Around 2,500 artists will perform cultural programmes to honour contributions to nation-building. Additionally, 10,000 Special Guests across 53 categories—recognised for exemplary work in areas such as employment generation, technology, innovation, start-ups, and Self Help Groups—have been invited to witness the historic event.