Republic Day 2026: 30 tableaux, Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, Operation Sindoor prowess — What's on display

Republic Day 2026 parade: What to expect?

Notably, this Republic Day will celebrate the theme ‘150 years of Vande Mataram’ showcased through a total of 30 tableaux — 17 from states and Union Territories (UTs) and 13 from the various department, ministries, and services.

• The parade will begin at 9:30 am, with live television coverage starting from 10:30 am. Entry gates will open from 7 am.
• 2,500 cultural artists will perform along Kartavya Path, presenting a synchronised cultural showcase inspired by Vande Mataram and India's journey towards a self-reliant and developed nation.
• Among the floats will include displays of a specially curated animal contingent from the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC). The contingent will feature two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian breed Army dogs, along with six conventional military dogs already in service, highlighting the role of animals in extreme high-altitude terrains like Ladakh and Siachen.
• Debut appearance of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion.

• Showcase of India's military prowess through phased battle array display by the Indian Army, mechanised columns, marching contingents, military bands and a Tri-services tableau titled ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) will showcase the “Sindoor” formation during the Republic Day parade 2026 in a symbolic display of air power. The formation will comprise two Rafale jets, two Su-30 aircraft, two MiG-29 fighters and one Jaguar fighter jet.
• A special veterans' tableau by the IAF will also pay tribute to the contribution of ex-servicemen.
• From the states: Assam's terracotta craft, Himachal Pradesh's identity as Dev Bhoomi and Manipur's agricultural progress.
• The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase some of its path-breaking innovations for national security during the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path and Bharat Parv 2026. The systems are: Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM) and DRDO Tableau-'Naval Technologies for Combat Submarines'. The DRDO will showcase LR-AShM with a launcher during the parade.
• This year, Agniveers will also participate in the Republic Day Parade at Kartayapath as part of the Indian Air Force Marching Band. This will be the first time that Women Agniveers are taking part in a band performance in the Republic Day Parade. A total of 66 Agniveers will play marching tunes.
• The celebrations will conclude with a flypast by 29 Indian Air Force aircraft.

R-Day: European leaders to be chief guests, 10,000 in audience

As is tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will first visit to the National War Memorial, where he will lay a wreath and pay solemn tributes to fallen heroes and then proceed to the dais at Kartavya Path to witness the parade. Ceremonies will begin with hoisting of the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem, and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.

Key Takeaways

• The parade will feature 30 tableaux representing India's cultural heritage and technological advancements.
• President Droupadi Murmu will address the nation, highlighting the significance of the day.
• The event emphasizes India's journey towards self-reliance and pays tribute to its freedom movement.