As the final notes of the National Anthem echo across the now-sunlit Kartavya Path and tricolor balloons soar into the Delhi sky, the 77th Republic Day celebrations conclude as a historic tribute to both India’s revolutionary past and its high-tech future.
 |
| Image credit: Republic World |
New Delhi: As the 77th Republic Day Parade concluded, India showcased its military might and cultural heritage today (January 26, 2026). With the ceremonial event beginning at 9:30 am and the main procession starting at 10:30 am, central Delhi transformed into a fortress.
The celebrations featured an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song 'Vande Mataram', the country's unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.
The ceremony ran for approx. 90 minutes and began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the National War Memorial, where he led the nation in paying solemn tributes to fallen heroes by laying a wreath. Thereafter, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries headed to the saluting dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade.
The arrival of President Murmu, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Commission in the 'Traditional Buggy' was escorted by the President's Bodyguard, the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army.
As per tradition, the National Flag was unfurled, followed by the National Anthem with a thunderous 21-gun salute using 105 mm Light Field Guns, an indigenously developed artillery weapon system. The 21-gun Salute was presented by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172nd Field Regiment.
A total of 30 tableaux - 17 of States/Union Territories and 13 of Ministries/Departments/Services - rolled down with a broad theme of 'Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram' and 'Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
The tableaux showcased a unique mix of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and the nation's rapid progress on the back of growing self-reliance across sectors, set against its rich and vibrant cultural diversity.
Security had been tightened along the India-Nepal border following specific intelligence received by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) regarding possible activities by ‘anti-national elements’ on Republic Day.
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attended as chief guests.
Over 10,000 personnel are on the ground, and the Delhi Metro has been running since 3:00 am to ferry spectators. Stay with us for minute-by-minute updates on traffic diversions, metro timings, and all the live action from the parade ground. Follow the live updates here
'Display Of Flags Of EU At India's Republic Day A Powerful Symbol': EU President Ursula von der Leyen
European Union President Ursula von der Leyen attended the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path on Monday.
Following the parade, the EU President said that display the flags of the EU, the EU Military Staff, and our maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES at India’s Republic Day is a “powerful symbol” of deepening security cooperation. “It will culminate tomorrow in the signature of our Security and Defence Partnership,” she said in a post on X.
The display of the flags of the EU, the EU Military Staff, and our maritime missions ATALANTA and ASPIDES at India’s Republic Day is a powerful symbol of our deepening security cooperation.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) January 26, 2026
It will culminate tomorrow in the signature of our Security and Defence Partnership. pic.twitter.com/l5pPxFt8Rv
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said thar India is privileged to host EU leaders during Republic Day celebrations.
'Privileged To Host EU Leaders During Republic Day Celebrations': PM Modi
New Delhi: India is privileged to host European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during Republic Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday.
“The visit will add momentum to the deepening engagement and cooperation between India and Europe across diverse sectors,” the PM said in a post on X.
India is privileged to host European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during our Republic Day celebrations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026
Their presence underscores the growing strength of the India-European Union partnership and our commitment to shared… pic.twitter.com/tdKuI6oKyp
'Powerful Display Of National Pride': PM Modi Shares Glimpses Of Republic Day Celebrations
New Delhi: Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi shared glimpses of the 77th Republic Day celebrations that took place at Kartavya Path earlier today.
Kartavya Path witnessed a powerful display of national pride as the Republic Day celebrations took place today.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2026
Here are some more glimpses… pic.twitter.com/Ujq9BUlHGA
In a separate post, the PM also wrote about how the parade was a testament to India’s formidable security apparatus, reflecting the nation’s preparedness, technological capability and unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens.
Republic Day 2026: Army's 'Shaktibaan' And 'Divyastra' Debut At Kartavya Path
The Army's advanced combat support elements, Shaktibaan and Divyastra, made their debut during the Republic Day parade as part of a transformation to introduce new battlefield structures aimed at closing the force's capability gap to strike targets at distances ranging from 50 to 500 kilometres.
#ProudToBeIndian | Indian Army’s fastest growing arm, artillery, makes a display - New generation unmanned warhead arsenal Shaktibaan and Divyastra displayed on HMV | WATCH
— Republic (@republic) January 26, 2026
77th Republic Day Coverage now LIVE, tune in - https://t.co/hkrlk0QcT2#RepublicDay #RepublicDay2026… pic.twitter.com/wT1xF9hcZk
Artillery, the fastest-growing arm of the Indian Army, displayed its next-generation unmanned warhead arsenal through Shaktibaan and Divyastra.
Courtesy: Republic Tv
