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What makes Republic Day parade significant this year: From Operation Sindoor to special guests, all you need to know
It will feature several historic firsts, including the debut appearances of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion and a specially curated animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC), as well as a significant display of India's military "jointness" following 2025's Operation Sindoor.
New Delhi: The 77th Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path will showcase India's cultural heritage, military strength and technological progress, with several historic firsts, including the debut of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, a specially curated animal contingent of the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) and a major display of tri-services jointness following Operation Sindoor (2025).
President Droupadi Murmu will lead the nation in celebrating Republic Day on Monday, January 26, while the President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will attend as Chief Guests.
What is the schedule and who are the guests this year?
As per tradition, Narendra Modi will begin the day with a visit to the National War Memorial, where he will lay a wreath in tribute to fallen soldiers before proceeding to Kartavya Path.
Also read: Republic Day 2026: History, significance and the theme behind this year's grand parade
The parade will begin at 9:30 am, with entry gates opening at 7 am. Live television coverage will start from 10:30 am.
Nearly 10,000 special guests from across the country have been invited, including para-athletics champions, farmers practising natural farming, beneficiaries rehabilitated under the PM SMILE scheme, scientists associated with recent ISRO missions such as Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan, senior DRDO scientists and industry leaders involved in hydrogen production and electrolyser manufacturing under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Security has been significantly tightened across central Delhi, with over 1,000 high-definition CCTV cameras, facial recognition systems, AI-enabled smart glasses deployed by Delhi Police, and a multi-layered security grid involving police, paramilitary forces and specialised units. Traffic restrictions and controlled zones are in place around Kartavya Path and adjoining areas.
On the eve of Republic Day, President Murmu will address the nation on January 25 at 7 pm, with the broadcast on Akashvani and Doordarshan in Hindi, English and regional languages.
Following the parade, Bharat Parv will be organised at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, while the Republic Day celebrations will formally conclude with the Prime Minister's NCC Rally at Cariappa Parade Ground on January 28.
What will the tableaux showcase at Kartavya Path?
A total of 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path under the themes ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. These include 17 tableaux from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments and Services, presenting a visual narrative of India's freedom movement, cultural diversity and progress towards self-reliance.
The parade will mark 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram'. The tableaux will highlight heritage crafts, folk traditions, innovation, defence preparedness and nation-building initiatives. A special veterans' tableau by the Indian Air Force will also form part of the display.
How will the armed forces and DRDO be represented?
A key highlight will be the Tri-services tableau titled ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness', showcasing India's integrated military doctrine, indigenous defence capabilities and operational coordination.
Also read: Delhi Republic Day 2026 traffic advisory: Major restrictions on Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad & Sonipat routes; Check what's open and what's closed
The Indian Army will present phased battle array formations, mechanised columns, marching contingents and military bands. For the first time, a curated animal contingent of the RVC will participate, featuring two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian-breed Army dogs and six conventional military dogs, highlighting operations in extreme terrains such as Ladakh and Siachen.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase key innovations during the parade and at Bharat Parv 2026, including the Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) with launcher and a tableau titled ‘Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines'.
What are the new elements in the cultural and air force displays?
This year, Agniveers will participate in the parade as part of the Indian Air Force Marching Band. For the first time, Women Agniveers will take part in a band performance. A total of 66 Agniveers, including nine women, will perform marching tunes.
Around 2,500 cultural artists will perform along Kartavya Path, presenting a synchronised cultural showcase inspired by Vande Mataram and India's journey towards a self-reliant and developed nation.
The parade will conclude with an Indian Air Force flypast featuring 29 aircraft, including a special ‘Sindoor' formation comprising Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29 and Jaguar fighter jets.
With inputs from ANI
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Source: EconomicTimes
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