New Delhi: India will observe Republic Day 2026 on January 26, commemorating the day the Constitution came into effect in 1950. The occasion marks 77 years
of India’s journey as a sovereign democratic republic and remains one of the most significant dates in the national calendar. The day reflects constitutional values, democratic institutions, and the collective spirit of the country, observed with discipline and pride across states and union territories. The national celebration will take place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
Here, the Republic Day parade will present a coordinated display of military strength, cultural heritage, and technological progress. Alongside the central event, schools, colleges, government offices, and Indian missions abroad will organise flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, and community gatherings, making the celebration visible across urban and rural India. If you are planning to experience the Republic Day celebration, here are the key details to know.
Republic Day 2026 celebrations key details
Republic Day 2026 chief guests
The chief guests for the 77th Republic Day celebrations will be Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council. Their visit highlights the growing strategic partnership between India and the European Union. The leaders will be in India from January 25 to 27, 2026, and will also co-chair the 16th India–EU Summit, focusing on cooperation in trade, technology, security, and global governance.
Flag hoisting timings on January 26
At Kartavya Path, the President of India is expected to arrive around 9:30 AM. The national flag will be unfurled during the ceremony, followed by the start of the Republic Day parade. The event will be broadcast live nationwide.
Most educational institutions conduct flag hoisting between 8 AM and 9 AM. Programmes usually include the national anthem, patriotic songs, speeches, and student performances, allowing activities to conclude before midday.
Government offices, private workplaces, and residential societies generally hoist the flag between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Many communities choose 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM, followed by brief addresses and distribution of sweets.
Republic Day 2026 theme and key highlights
The theme for the Republic Day Parade 2026 will mark 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. Along Kartavya Path, view-cutters will display rare illustrations of the song’s verses created in 1923 by Shri Tejendra Kumar Mitra. A large ‘वंदेमातरम्’ banner will be unveiled at the parade’s conclusion, accompanied by the release of rubber balloons. From January 19 to 26, musical tributes by the armed forces and special performances in Naihati, West Bengal, will honour Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. Tableaux will reflect the themes ‘स्वतंत्रता का मंत्र – वंदे मातरम’ and ‘समृद्धि का मंत्र – आत्मनिर्भर भारत’.
Republic Day 2026 will combine constitutional tradition with cultural remembrance, reinforcing the values that continue to shape modern India.
