For the first time, the Indian Army's animal contingent will march on duty, comprising Bactrian camels, Zanskar horses, raptors and indigenous dog breeds.
India is moving towards the future, drawing strength from its roots. The 77th Republic Day will truly be a celebration of India's changing global role and unwavering national spirit. - Advocate Kishan Sammukhdas Bhavani, Gondia, Maharashtra
Gondia - On the global stage, India once again stands at a crucial juncture in history, where tradition and the future are seen joining hands. On January 26, 2026, India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day, and this time, the ceremony will not be just a constitutional celebration, but a grand display of national consciousness, cultural renaissance and global diplomacy. The event, held on the Path of Duty, symbolizes India's journey beyond its colonial legacy to become a self-reliant, self-confident and global leader. This year's Republic Day celebrations are also special because they mark the 150th anniversary of India's national song, "Vande Mataram". Composed by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875, the song not only served as the spirit of the freedom struggle but also provided a cultural and emotional foundation for Indian nationalism. When “Vande Mataram” resounds on the path of duty in 2026, it will not be just a song, but a collective remembrance of 150 years of struggle, sacrifice and determination. I, Advocate Kishan Sammukhdas Bhavani, Gondia, Maharashtra, believe that 26th January is a day of pride, self-respect and loyalty to the Constitution for every Indian. It is the day when India declared itself a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. During its 77-year constitutional journey, India has faced many challenges: economic inequality, social diversity, border conflicts and global pressures. Despite this, India has made continuous progress while upholding democratic values. Republic Day 2026 is a celebration of this democratic maturity. This year’s celebration will be different and unique from previous years in many ways. The most significant symbolic change is the abolition of VIP labels for visitors on duty. This decision reinforces the spirit of Indian democracy, in which all citizens are equal. The galleries are now named after Indian rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari and Narmada. This move not only reflects cultural unity but also underlines India's geographical, civilisational and environmental consciousness.
Friends, if we consider the theme of the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, the main theme is Vande Mataram, while Self-Reliant India will be presented as a secondary theme. This theme choice in itself conveys a profound message. While Vande Mataram represents the spirit, culture and memory of India's freedom struggle, "Self-Reliant India" represents a concept that looks towards the future. This shows that India strives to move forward in the global competition while remaining connected to its roots.
Friends, if we consider the 2026 Republic Day celebrations in an international context, they are also considered to be of great importance. Just before the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the participation of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa as chief guests highlights India's global diplomatic position. This presence is not just ceremonial, but signals that India now plays a central role in the global economic and strategic balance. The presence of the top leadership of the EU shows that India-Europe relations are no longer limited to trade, but have expanded to include issues of shared democratic values, technical cooperation, defense partnership and global stability. The message from the Republic Day platform will be that India is not attached to any one pole, but is a major pillar maintaining balance in a multi-polar world order.
Friends, if we consider the military parade, this time too it will remain the focal point of the ceremony. However, the 2026 parade will feature several historic innovations. For the first time, animal contingents of the Indian Army will march on the route of duty, including Bactrian camels, Zanskar horses, raptors and indigenous dogs like Mudhol and Rajpalyam. This is not just a visual attraction but a symbol of respect for India’s traditional military heritage and biodiversity. The military parade will showcase the Battle Array format for the first time, showcasing modern warfare strategies, network-centric warfare and indigenous defence technology capabilities. The message will be clear: India is not just an importer of arms, but an emerging global hub for defence production and innovation. This glimpse of a self-reliant India strengthens India’s strategic independence. This year, a total of 30 tableaux will be presented on the Line of Duty, reflecting India's cultural diversity, distinct identities of states, technological advancements and social innovations. These tableaux will not only reflect tradition, but will also show how India is integrating its heritage with modern development.
Friends and colleagues, if we consider the special importance of public participation on Republic Day 2026, then 10,000 citizens from different parts of the country will be invited to participate in the
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