Chief Guest for Republic Day Celebrations

Context

• According to the Defense Secretary, European Union leaders António Costa (President of the European Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) have been invited as special guests to India's 77th Republic Day celebrations this year (2026).
• The 90-minute Republic Day parade will commemorate the 150th anniversary of "Vande Mataram." The Beating the Retreat ceremony will also feature the same theme.

New Initiatives and Symbolic Changes in the Parade

• The Defense Secretary also stated that, in order to eliminate VIP culture, the parade halls will be named after major rivers of India, while the Beating the Retreat halls will be named after various musical instruments.
• For the first time, a European naval contingent will also participate in the parade. This year's parade will feature several new military displays for the first time, including the Bhairav ​​Battalion, Shaktibaan Regiment, Drone Power, and the Universal Rocket Launcher.

Cultural Performances and Marching Contingents

• The ceremony will begin with a performance by 100 cultural artists accompanied by Indian war instruments.
• Among the marching contingents, the Bhairav ​​Contingent and Ladakh Scouts will participate in the 'Uncha Kadam Taal'.
• The Zanskar Pony, Bactrian Camel, and Dog Squad will represent India's diverse operational capabilities.
• 18 parade contingents and 13 bands will participate in this year's parade. Aircraft and helicopters such as the Rafale, Su-30, P-8I, C-130, C-295, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, and Mi-17 will be displayed in various formations during the flypast.

Tableaux centered on the theme of 'Vande Mataram'

• The theme of Republic Day 2026 will be 'Vande Mataram'.
• Tableaux from six states and departments will bring this theme to life. Paintings by artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra will display lines from 'Vande Mataram' on the parade track, and the band will play the tune during the Beating the Retreat ceremony.
• In total, 30 tableaux will be featured in the parade, representing 17 states and union territories and 13 ministries and services.
• In addition, 11 states and union territories will also participate in Bharat Parv. This event will be a spectacular celebration of India's cultural heritage and military might.