India will mark its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, today with the main celebrations taking place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950, which replaced the Government of India Act, 1935, and formally established India as a sovereign republic. Republic Day is observed every year to remember the moment when the Constitution of India came into force. Since 1950, January 26 has remained one of the country’s most important national days, marked by a ceremonial parade, military displays and cultural showcases in the national capital.
Also Read: Catch All Republic Day updates here
On Republic Day (26 January), the national flag is hoisted at around 10:30 AM during the main ceremony at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, when the President arrives and the National Anthem is played.
At schools, government offices, housing societies and local events, flag hoisting is usually done in the morning between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on local schedules.
Key details at a glance
Event date: January 26, 2026
Venue: Kartavya Path, New Delhi
Parade timing: 10:30 AM onwards
Entry gates open: 7:00 AM
Following the National Anthem and before the President’s departure, balloons will be released from designated locations along Kartavya Path.
Follow the list of prohibited items mentioned on the ticket or pass
Entry to enclosures is on a first-come, first-served basis, and gates may close once capacity is reached
Republic Day Parade: How to reach Kartavya Path
Republic Day Parade: Nearest metro stations
Udyog Bhawan Metro Station: For Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghaghra, Godavari, Sindhu and Jhelum enclosures
Central Secretariat Metro Station: For Yamuna, Vaigai, Teesta, Sutlej, Sone, Ravi, Periyar, Pennar, Narmada, Mahanadi, Krishna, Kosi and Kaveri enclosures
Buses
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will run special bus services. Routes should be checked in advance.
Private vehicles
Visitors using private vehicles must follow traffic advisories issued by Delhi Traffic Police and park only in designated areas. Unauthorised parking may lead to fines or towing.
Spectators are encouraged to use public transport or free Delhi Metro rides. QR coupons for free rides will be provided along with parade tickets.
DOs for Republic Day parade visitors
DON’Ts for Republic Day parade visitors
Visitors must not carry prohibited items such as bags, eatables, electronic gadgets, power banks, cameras, water bottles, sharp objects, inflammable items or any form of arms and explosives.
Late arrivals may be denied entry once enclosures reach capacity. Mobile phone use should be avoided during ceremonial moments, especially during the National Anthem. Littering, carrying political banners or engaging in disruptive behaviour is strictly prohibited. Unauthorised photography or videography is also not allowed in many parts of the venue.
Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 schedule
The Beating Retreat Ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk after Republic Day:
With tight security, packed stands and a detailed schedule, Republic Day 2026 promises a full day of ceremony and spectacle for those attending in person and watching across the country.
Republic Day 2026 Chief Guests
Republic Day 2026 will be attended by two top European Union leaders, António Costa, who heads the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reflecting India’s strengthening engagement with the EU.Also Read: Catch All Republic Day updates here
Republic Day 2026 Theme
The theme for Republic Day 2026 is “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, marking 150 years of the national song written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The theme runs through the parade, cultural shows and public outreach, placing the song at the centre of this year’s celebrations and linking it to India’s freedom and cultural identity.Republic Day 2026: Morning schedule
The official ceremonies will start at 9:30 AM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. An Inter-Services Guard will present a formal salute, followed by a two-minute silence to honour the martyrs.On Republic Day (26 January), the national flag is hoisted at around 10:30 AM during the main ceremony at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, when the President arrives and the National Anthem is played.
At schools, government offices, housing societies and local events, flag hoisting is usually done in the morning between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM, depending on local schedules.
Republic Day parade timing and venue
The main Republic Day Parade will begin at 10:30 AM at Kartavya Path, formerly known as Rajpath.Key details at a glance
Event date: January 26, 2026
Venue: Kartavya Path, New Delhi
Parade timing: 10:30 AM onwards
Entry gates open: 7:00 AM
Republic Day 2026 Parade Highlights
After the Prime Minister’s tribute, President Droupadi Murmu will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during the march past. The parade will feature contingents from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, along with Paramilitary Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS).Following the National Anthem and before the President’s departure, balloons will be released from designated locations along Kartavya Path.
Republic Day Entry Rules
Entry requirements for spectators- Visitors attending the parade at Kartavya Path must follow strict entry rules:
- Carry a valid government-issued photo ID
- Carry a physical or digital parade ticket or pass
- Bring only permitted personal items
Follow the list of prohibited items mentioned on the ticket or pass
Entry to enclosures is on a first-come, first-served basis, and gates may close once capacity is reached
Republic Day Parade: How to reach Kartavya Path
Republic Day Parade: Nearest metro stationsUdyog Bhawan Metro Station: For Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghaghra, Godavari, Sindhu and Jhelum enclosures
Central Secretariat Metro Station: For Yamuna, Vaigai, Teesta, Sutlej, Sone, Ravi, Periyar, Pennar, Narmada, Mahanadi, Krishna, Kosi and Kaveri enclosures
Buses
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will run special bus services. Routes should be checked in advance.
Private vehicles
Visitors using private vehicles must follow traffic advisories issued by Delhi Traffic Police and park only in designated areas. Unauthorised parking may lead to fines or towing.
Spectators are encouraged to use public transport or free Delhi Metro rides. QR coupons for free rides will be provided along with parade tickets.
DOs for Republic Day parade visitors
- Arrive early as entry gates open at 7:00 AM
- Carry a valid photo identity card at all times
- Follow all security checks and guidelines
- Use public transport, especially Delhi Metro services
- Use free Metro ride QR coupons where applicable
- Maintain decorum and stand respectfully during the National Anthem
- Carry a valid parade ticket, invitation or entry pass
- Stay within designated seating or standing areas
DON’Ts for Republic Day parade visitors
Visitors must not carry prohibited items such as bags, eatables, electronic gadgets, power banks, cameras, water bottles, sharp objects, inflammable items or any form of arms and explosives.
Late arrivals may be denied entry once enclosures reach capacity. Mobile phone use should be avoided during ceremonial moments, especially during the National Anthem. Littering, carrying political banners or engaging in disruptive behaviour is strictly prohibited. Unauthorised photography or videography is also not allowed in many parts of the venue.
Beating Retreat Ceremony 2026 schedule
The Beating Retreat Ceremony will be held at Vijay Chowk after Republic Day:- January 27, 2026: Full dress rehearsal
- January 28, 2026: Special show
- January 29, 2026: Main ceremony
With tight security, packed stands and a detailed schedule, Republic Day 2026 promises a full day of ceremony and spectacle for those attending in person and watching across the country.
