Republic Day 2026: PM Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ Message Sets the Tone as India Celebrates with Grand Parade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended warm greetings to citizens on the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, urging people to reaffirm their commitment to building a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India).

In a message shared on social media platform X, the Prime Minister said,
“Greetings to all countrymen on Republic Day. This national festival, symbolising India’s pride and honour, should infuse new energy and enthusiasm, strengthening the resolve for Viksit Bharat.”

Significance of Republic Day

Observed annually on January 26, Republic Day marks the historic moment in 1950 when India adopted its Constitution, formally becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The day stands as a powerful reminder of the country’s long struggle for independence and its commitment to the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Grand Celebrations at Kartavya Path

President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the grand Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. Adding global significance to the event, President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will attend as the Chief Guests.

Kartavya Path, stretching from Rashtrapati Bhawan to the National War Memorial, has been elaborately decorated, reflecting India’s remarkable journey since independence. According to the Ministry of Defence, this year’s celebrations will present a unique blend of tradition, development, military strength, and cultural diversity.

Highlights of the Republic Day Parade

The ceremony will begin at 10:30 AM and will last approximately 90 minutes. Prime Minister Modi will first visit the National War Memorial to lay a wreath and pay homage to the fallen heroes. He will then proceed to the saluting dais to witness the parade along with other dignitaries.

The President of India, accompanied by the European leaders, will arrive in a Traditional Buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.

Following tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled, and the National Anthem will be played, accompanied by a 21-gun salute using indigenously developed 105 mm Light Field Guns. The salute will be presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.

Tableaux Celebrating Heritage and Self-Reliance

A total of 30 tableaux—17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments, and Services—will roll down Kartavya Path. The central themes this year are ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

The tableaux will showcase 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, India’s rapid developmental progress, growing self-reliance across sectors, and the country’s rich and vibrant cultural diversity.

A Celebration of Unity and Progress

Republic Day 2026 stands as a celebration of India’s democratic spirit, military prowess, cultural unity, and aspirations for a self-reliant and developed future. As the nation comes together on this historic day, the message of unity, pride, and progress resonates stronger than ever.