Republic Day 2026 is almost here and this year India is celebrating 77 years since our Constitution officially came into force on January 26, 1950. It is a day of pride, marked by the famous parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The celebrations will start with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial to honor our fallen heroes. After that, President Droupadi Murmu will unfurl the National Flag.
This year’s event is extra special as we welcome two major international leaders as chief guests: Antonio Luis Santos da Costa (European Council President) and Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission President).
When and where to watch Republic Day 2026 parade live
If you aren’t travelling to Delhi to see the parade in person, don’t worry. You can watch the whole thing live from your home. The parade is set to begin at 9:30 am on Monday, January 26.
You can catch the live telecast on Doordarshan or watch the live stream on their YouTube channel. Almost every news channel in India will also be broadcasting the event live. If you prefer radio, All India Radio will be providing coverage on their digital platforms as well.
Republic Day 2026 parade: Tickets, venue and entry rules you need to know
If you are planning to head down to Kartavya Path in New Delhi to catch the parade in person, here is what you need to know. The gates open as early as 7:00 am, and you must get there well ahead of time to deal with the tight security checks and the chilly January morning. Tickets are actually very cheap, costing from Rs 20 to Rs 100 making the parade accessible for everyone.
You can grab your tickets online through the official Aamantran website, or if you prefer buying them in person, you can find ticket booths at spots like Sena Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, or even at the Rajiv Chowk and Kashmere Gate metro stations.
Important note: You must carry a valid government ID, such as your Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or PAN Card, to buy tickets and enter the venue.
Highlight of Republic day parade: Tableaus, gallantry awards and flypast
One of the most loved parts of the parade is the tableaus or ‘jhankis.’ These are giant, beautifully decorated floats that represent different states and government departments. Each state tries to outdo the other by showing off its unique culture, traditional dances, and famous landmarks.
For example, you might see a high-tech tableau from ISRO showing off India’s latest space achievements. It’s like seeing the whole of India pass by you in just one hour. The music, the costumes, and the hard work that goes into these floats are always a highlight for the crowds.
The parade also honors the real-life heroes of our country. The President gives out gallantry awards like the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra to soldiers who showed incredible courage. One of the most emotional moments is the “National Bravery Awards,” where young children who have done heroic deeds ride past the crowds on decorated jeeps.
To end the event with a bang, the Indian Air Force performs a spectacular flypast. Fighter jets like the Rafale and Sukhoi-30 scream across the sky in different formations, leaving behind trails of saffron, white, and green smoke that guarantees goosebumps!
