India marks 77th Republic Day, proudly celebrating national culture and strength

President Droupadi Murmu unfurled the Tricolor at Kartavya Path on Jan 26, marking the start of India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations with ceremonial dignity and national pride.

The grand parade that followed showcased India’s military strength, joint operational capabilities, and cultural diversity, with the theme marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.

President Murmu arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy, accompanied by the chief guests and the President’s Bodyguard, before taking the salute.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, union ministers, senior military leadership, diplomats, and officials witnessed the celebrations.

President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests, reflecting India’s deepening global partnerships.

Leyen said, “It is the honor of a lifetime to be chief guests at the Republic Day celebrations.” French President Emmanuel Macron also conveyed greetings, recalling his 2024 visit as chief guest.

The parade opened with the Dhwaj Formation, as four Mi-17 1V helicopters flew in an inverted Y formation carrying the national flag along with the Army, Navy, and Air Force ensigns. Flower petals were showered along Kartavya Path, setting a solemn and proud tone.

India’s military hardware formed the backbone of the display, with weapon systems including BrahMos and Akash missiles, the Suryastra rocket launcher, the Arjun main battle tank, the NAG missile system, infantry combat vehicles, and indigenously developed platforms.

Advanced attack helicopters, including the Rudra, the Apache AH-64E, and the Light Combat Helicopter Prachand, flew in formation, highlighting precision strike capabilities across diverse terrains.

The Army debuted its new combat support elements, Shaktibaan and Divyastra, reflecting its evolving battlefield structures designed for long-range strike capability.

The Him Yodha contingent marched proudly, while Bactrian camels from Galwan and Nubra and Zanskari ponies made a striking appearance, symbolizing endurance and frontline logistics in high-altitude regions.

The Indian Air Force displayed aerial formations featuring Rafale, Sukhoi 30, MiG 29, and Jaguar fighter aircraft, including six Rafales flying in the Vajraang formation. The Navy and Air Force contingents drew strong applause for their coordinated display.

Cultural unity was highlighted through performances by nearly 100 artists under the theme Unity in Diversity, along with the Combined Military Band playing Vande Mataram.

Multiple marching contingents participated, including the NCC senior wing girls, Delhi Police, CRPF, BSF camel contingent, CISF, Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, Indian Coast Guard, Rajput Regiment, Assam Regiment, Indo Tibetan Border Police, and others.

CRPF Assistant Commandant Simran Bala led an all-male contingent, creating history.

The European Union contingent marched with four flag bearers displaying EU and EU military flags.

The Tri Services tableau depicted Operation Sindoor Victory Through Jointness, symbolizing integrated defense operations. Tableaux from DRDO, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Assam, and others showcased the state’s cultural richness.

The Department of School Education and Literacy showcased innovation, culture, and the vision of NEP 2020 toward Viksit Bharat 2047, with PM SHRI schools at the center.

President Murmu also conferred the Ashoka Chakra on Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla.

Separately, the government announced the Padma Awards for 2026, with five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri honors.

Actor Dharmendra and former Kerala chief minister V S Achuthanandan were awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.

A total of 982 police personnel received gallantry and service medals, including 125 gallantry awards, with the highest number going to CRPF personnel.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended Republic Day greetings, saying, “On behalf of the people of the United States, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of India on your Republic Day.”

He added, “The United States and India share a historic bond. From our close cooperation on defense, energy, critical minerals, and emerging technologies to our multilayered engagement through the Quad, the U S India relationship delivers real results for our two countries and for the Indo Pacific region.”

The celebrations extend beyond the parade, with Bharat Parv, a six-day cultural and tourism festival, beginning at the Red Fort lawns to showcase India’s artistic, culinary, and spiritual heritage under the "Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" and "Dekho Apna Desh" initiatives.