India Celebrates 77th Republic Day from the Heart of Delhi to the Hills of Jharkhand

Ranchi/Delhi: On January 26, 2026, India celebrated its 77th Republic Day with a grand display of military power and cultural heritage. The 2026 theme, “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” resonated through ceremonies held from the national capital to international diplomatic missions.

National Celebrations in Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu led the festivities at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, where she unfurled the National Flag followed by a 21-gun salute.

Chief Guests: In a historic first, two top European Union leaders attended as chief guests: Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and António Costa (President of the European Council).

Military Highlights: The parade featured a first-of-its-kind “phased Battle Array Format” and displayed equipment used during Operation Sindoor, including BrahMos and S-400 missiles. Key attractions included hypersonic missiles, robotic dogs, and a “Sindoor” fly-past formation by Rafale and Sukhoi jets.

Themes: Beyond the Vande Mataram anniversary, the parade emphasized “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-reliant India) and “Vividata Mein Ekta” (Unity in Diversity).

State Focus: Jharkhand
In Jharkhand, celebrations centered at the Morabadi Ground in Ranchi.

Parade Tableaux: The state showcased 12 thematic tableaux. Highlights included:
Jharkhand@25: Depicting the state’s 25-year journey and achievements.
Governance & Welfare: Displays featured the “Guruji Student Credit Card” scheme and social initiatives like child marriage prevention.

Heritage: Tableaux showcased historical sites such as the Maluti temples, Jama Masjid of Sahibganj, and Palamu Fort.

Security: Tight security was maintained across the state, with specialized units and anti-riot vehicles deployed at the main venue.

Global Observances

The Indian diaspora celebrated across the globe at various embassies and high commissions.

Key Greetings: World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and Britain’s King Charles III, extended warm greetings, emphasizing strengthening strategic and commonwealth ties.

Notable Locations: For the first time in over a decade, celebrations were held in Yemen. Major events also took place in Beijing, Shanghai, Washington D.C., Tokyo, and Colombo.