New Delhi: India marked its 77th Republic Day with majestic grandeur at Kartavya Path on Monday, reaffirming the spirit of the Constitution adopted in 1950. The iconic parade — a tradition spanning over seven decades — showcased the nation’s military strength, cultural diversity, and technological confidence.
This year’s theme, “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” paid tribute to the national song that became the heartbeat of India’s freedom movement and continues to inspire generations.
#WATCH | 77th #RepublicDay🇮🇳 | National Flag unfurled at the Kartavya Path in Delhi, followed by the National Anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105 mm Light Field Guns, an indigenously developed artillery weapon system
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/Q2IgPGAE0K
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2026
Global Leaders Grace the Occasion
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa were the chief guests, highlighting India’s growing global influence and strategic partnerships. Nearly 10,000 special invitees from across the country witnessed the celebrations.
President Droupadi Murmu presided over the ceremony, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the day by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, honouring the nation’s fallen heroes. The President then unfurled the Tricolour as the national anthem echoed across Kartavya Path.
77th #RepublicDayIndia celebrations: Spectacular bike performances wow the crowd at the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path, showcasing the skill, precision, and discipline of India’s armed forces pic.twitter.com/CKmRoMCpQo
— WION (@WIONews) January 26, 2026
Parade Highlights: Power, Pride and Precision
The Republic Day Parade rolled out in spectacular fashion with marching contingents, state and ministry tableaux, and cultural performances reflecting India’s unity in diversity.
A major highlight was the Vande Mataram tableau by the Ministry of Culture titled “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation,” portraying the song as a living symbol of India’s freedom struggle and national identity.
Historic Moment: Woman Leads CRPF Contingent
Adding to the day’s significance, Assistant Commandant Simran Bala (26) from Jammu and Kashmir created history by becoming the first woman officer to command a CRPF marching contingent at the Republic Day Parade.
She led an all-male contingent of over 140 CRPF personnel, marking a landmark moment for India’s largest paramilitary force and a powerful symbol of women’s rising leadership in the nation’s security services.
Women Power on Display
The crowd erupted as 42 CRPF women performed a breathtaking pyramid formation on Bullet motorcycles, symbolising courage, discipline, and the growing role of women across India’s armed and paramilitary forces.
Grand Finale in the Skies
The parade concluded with a thrilling flypast that filled the skies with thunder and pride:
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C-130J transport aircraft in the ‘Arjan’ formation at 350 kmph
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Navy’s P-8I flanked by two Sukhoi-30 jets in ‘Vic’ formation
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Six Rafale fighters in the powerful ‘Vajraang’ formation
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A single Rafale roaring past at 900 kmph in the iconic ‘Vijay’ formation
The ceremony ended with the national anthem as the chief guests departed in a horse-drawn carriage alongside President Murmu.
A Nation United in Pride
As India marches forward in defence, diplomacy, science, and culture, the 77th Republic Day celebrations stood as a powerful reminder of the nation’s constitutional strength, unity, and unstoppable spirit.
