India to Celebrate 77th Republic Day in 2026: Understanding the Count

• India will observe its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, not the 78th, due to the counting method starting from the first celebration in 1950.
• The Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the first Republic Day and establishing India as a sovereign democratic republic.
• The theme for Republic Day 2026 celebrations will be "Vande Mataram" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat", emphasizing patriotic spirit and self-reliance.
• The grand Republic Day parade will take place at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, showcasing India's democratic heritage and cultural diversity.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa have been invited as chief guests for the 2026 celebrations.

Why It Matters: India's 77th Republic Day in 2026 is counted from the first observance in 1950, not by years passed.