Republic Day 2026: President Murmu Hoists Flag, Grand Parade on Kartavya Path

• The 77th Republic Day celebrations commenced at 10:30 AM on Kartavya Path in Delhi with President Droupadi Murmu hoisting the flag and receiving a 21-gun salute.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid respects at the National War Memorial before arriving at Kartavya Path for the parade.
• The theme for this year's celebrations highlights 150 years of Vande Mataram and focuses on "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India).
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa are the chief guests, marking the first time two EU leaders attend.
• The parade features cultural artists, armed forces contingents including women's forces, weapons displays, 30 tableaux (17 from states/UTs, 13 from central ministries), and a grand flypast with 29 fighter jets.

Why It Matters: India celebrates its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade on Kartavya Path, emphasizing national pride and self-reliance.