India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Sunday (January 26, 2026), with a vibrant and grand parade at Kartavya Path centered around the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram.”
The parade commenced with President Droupadi Murmu taking the salute shortly after she, flanked by President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, arrived at Kartavya Path in a traditional buggy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, several other Union Ministers, the country’s top military brass, foreign diplomats, and senior officials were among the spectators.
The major weapon systems displayed included the BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, the rocket launcher ‘Suryastra,’ the Main Battle Tank Arjun, and an array of indigenously built military platforms and hardware. Around 100 artists heralded the parade, which had the theme ‘Vividata Mein Ekta (Unity in Diversity)’ and featured a grand presentation of musical instruments, demonstrating the nation’s unity and rich cultural diversity.
A look at some of the interesting pictures around the country:
President Droupadi Murmu, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa stand for the national anthem before departing Rashtrapati Bhavan for Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Photo: YouTube/@NarendraModi via PTI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (center) with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (left) and European Council President Antonio Costa during the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. Photo: YouTube/@NarendraModi
Photo:
PTI
Indian Air Force helicopters shower flower petals over the audience at Kartavya Path, marking the commencement of the 77th Republic Day Parade flypast. Photo: PTI
Photo:
Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Indian Air Force Rafale jets soar in the “Vajraang” formation over Kartavya Path, New Delhi, during the 77th Republic Day Parade. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
An aerial view captures the precision and grandeur of marching contingents as they traverse Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Photo: YT/@NarendraModi via PTI
Photo:
Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
The major weapon systems showcased at the parade included BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, rocket launcher ‘Suryastra’, Main Battle Tank Arjun and an array of indigenously-built military platforms and hardware. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Photo:
Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
A paramilitary contingent marches down Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade. Photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Photo:
AP
In the ceremonial “Dhwaj” formation, four Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopters soar over Kartavya Path, trooping the National Flag alongside the ensigns of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Photo: AP
Photo:
PTI
Indian Army contingents, including the newly raised Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, march with sharp discipline at Indira Gandhi Sarani during Kolkata’s 77th Republic Day Parade. Photo: PTI
Photo:
PTI
Personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) march with precision during the State-level 77th Republic Day celebrations held in Ajmer, Rajasthan. Photo: PTI
Photo:
PTI
A contingent of security forces performs a ceremonial march past as Madhya Pradesh celebrates the 77th Republic Day in Bhopal. Photo: PTI
Photo:
AP
Schoolgirls walk with portraits of Indian freedom fighters and eminent personalities during a Republic Day ceremonial parade, in Kolkata. Photo: AP
Photo:
PTI
A contingent of the Jammu and Kashmir Police marches with precision during the 77th Republic Day Parade at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. Photo: PTI
Photo:
R. Ragu
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi unfurls the national flag near the Labour Statue on Marina Beach, Chennai, during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Photo: R. Ragu
Photo:
PTI
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot (right) stands with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru. Photo: PTI
Photo:
PTI
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma takes the salute at the Khanikar Parade Ground in Dibrugarh during the 77th Republic Day celebrations. Photo: PTI
Photo:
PTI
Artistes from a Meitei cultural troupe perform the vibrant Pung Cholom dance during the State-level 77th Republic Day celebrations at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal, Manipur. Photo: PTI
Photo:
PTI
Artistes perform alongside the Maharashtra State tableau as it traverses Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Photo: PTI
Photo:
PTI
School students take exuberant leaps at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, capturing the spirit of a young and vibrant India. Photo: PTI
Photo:
PTI
Artistes perform a vibrant cultural dance in front of the Vidhan Bhavan in Lucknow, celebrating the 77th Republic Day with a special focus on the theme “150 Years of Vande Mataram.” Photo: PTI
Photo:
S.S. Kumar
Puducherry Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan unfurls the national flag at the Gandhi Statue on Beach Road (Promenade) during the 77th Republic Day celebrations, in the presence of Chief Minister N. Rangasamy. Photo: S.S. Kumar
Photo:
A. Jayamohan
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, after unfurling the national flag in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, receives the Guard of Honour at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram during the 77th Republic Day celebrations.
Published – January 26, 2026 03:45 pm IST
