Republic Day 2026: Kartavya Path Shines with 'Vande Mataram' Theme, EU Leaders as Guests

• The 77th Republic Day is celebrated nationwide, marking the Constitution's enactment on January 26, 1950, with tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
• This year's theme, 'Vande Mataram', commemorates 150 years since Bankim Chandra Chatterjee composed the national song, alongside a focus on 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
• For the first time, two European Union leaders, Ursula von der Leyen (European Commission President) and António Costa (European Council President), are chief guests, with their military contingents participating.
• President Droupadi Murmu will hoist the national flag at Kartavya Path, receive a 21-gun salute, and witness the parade after paying homage at the National War Memorial.
• Parade highlights include 100 cultural artists, march pasts by the armed forces with women's contingents, 30 tableaux (17 from states/UTs, 13 from central ministries), and a grand flypast by 29 fighter jets.

Why It Matters: India celebrates its 77th Republic Day with a 'Vande Mataram' theme, featuring EU leaders as chief guests and a grand parade.