NEW DELHI: India celebrates its 77th Republic Day on Monday, with nationwide events marking the adoption of the Constitution and highlighting the country’s cultural and military heritage.Celebrations of the 77th Republic Day at the Kartvya Path are based on the theme of the 150th Anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram, a timeless mantra that awakened the spirit of Swadeshi, self-reliance, and freedom in India’s national consciousness.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over the main ceremony at Kartavya Path in the national capital. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attended the celebrations as chief guests.PM Modi extended greetings on the 77th Republic Day, urging citizens to renew their commitment to a ‘Viksit Bharat’. In a post X, PM Modi said, “Greetings to all countrymen on Republic Day. This national festival, symbolising India’s pride and honour, should infuse new energy and enthusiasm, strengthening the resolve for Viksit Bharat.”Kartavya Path, which runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan to the National War Memorial, has been extensively decorated to reflect India’s journey over the years.
Here are the top developments:
PM Modi lays wreath at National War Memorial War: As the Republic Day celebrations began in the national capital, PM Modi laid a wreath at the National War Memorial at the historical India Gate. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi also signed the visitors’ book as he paid tributes to the fallen heroes.
In honour of the fallen soldiers, PM Modi observed a two-minute silence alongside other military and government dignitaries at the National War Memorial. Consistent with recent tradition, the Prime Minister also signed the digital visitor’s book at the memorial, leaving a message of gratitude and respect for the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice.
Present alongside the PM was the defence minister Rajnath Singh, the Chief of Defence Services General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Air Staf Air Chief Marshal APS Singh and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.President Murmu arrived in a ceremonial buggy: President Droupadi Murmu arrived at at the Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy, escorted by the President’s Bodyguard (Rashtrapati ke Angrakshak).
President Murmu in ceremonical buggy
She was accompanied by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, who are the chief guests at this year’s Republic Day celebrations.PM Modi receives the President & chief guests: PM Modi received President Droupadi Murmu, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Luis Santos da Costa before the unfurling of the national flag.
PM Modi receiving the President and the chief guests
Shubhanshu Shukla awarded Ashok Chakra: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who created history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), was on Monday awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. In June last year, Shukla became the second Indian to have gone to space and the first one to set foot on the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Shukla’s 18-day space odyssey came 41 years after cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma flew aboard a Russian Soyuz in 1984.
President Murmu awarded gallantry award to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history by becoming the first Indian to visit the International Space Station, has been honoured with the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award.
As a fighter pilot, Shukla has an impressive record of 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32.The mega parade at Kartavya Path
- Prahar formation comprising one Dhruv Advance Light Helicopter carried the ‘Operation Sindoor’ flag of the Indian Army along with ‘Rudra’ ALH-WSI of the Indian and ALH Mark IV of the Indian Air Force.
- NAG missile system and infantry combat vehicle displayed on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day parade.
- In a landmark display at the 77th
Republic Day 2026 parade on Kartavya Path, the Indian Army showcases a phased battle array for the first time, featuring an indigenous Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle.
Indian Air Force wishes Republic Day: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended warm wishes on the auspicious occasion of the 77th Republic Day, celebrated on January 26, 2026. The Indian Air Force restated its commitment towards safeguarding the nation’s skies with honour and courage through a post on X.Army chief greets citizens: Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi extended heartfelt greetings to the countrymen on the 77th Republic Day, stating that the occasion provides people with the opportunity to express gratitude to the immortal heroes who made the supreme sacrifice and displayed unparalleled bravery on the line of duty.Kartavya Path set to unveil unique mix of ‘Vande Mataram’: The celebrations will feature an extraordinary blend of the 150-year legacy of the national song Vande Mataram, the country’s unprecedented developmental progress, robust military strength, vibrant cultural diversity, and active participation from citizens across all walks of life.High security in Delhi-NCR & LoC: The national capital has been placed on high alert on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, with intensified security checks underway across the Delhi-NCR region. Police personnel conducted thorough vehicle checks at Gurugram, Chilla, Tikri, Singhu, Kapashera, Badarpur, and Dhaula Kuan borders amid heightened security arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations.
