Republic Day 2026: Kartavya Path To Celebrate “150 Years Of Vande Mataram”

NEW DELHI — As India prepares for its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, the Kartavya Path is set to transform into a “moving archive” of civilisational memory. This year’s central theme, “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” celebrates the anthem composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1875, which served as a spiritual and political rallying cry for India’s freedom fighters.

The parade will be a historic blend of tradition and high-tech defense, witnessed by a global audience and prestigious European dignitaries.

1. The “Vande Mataram” Experience

The Ministry of Culture has designed a multi-layered tribute to the national song:

• Tableau “The Soul-Cry of a Nation”: The ministry’s tableau will carry the original manuscript of Vande Mataram, followed by folk artists from all four corners of India.
• 1923 Visuals: A series of rare paintings by Tejendra Kumar Mitra (from the 1923 Bande Mataram Album) will be displayed as “view-cutters” along the parade route.
• Modern Rendition: The tableau will feature a performance by “Gen-G” (the current generation), inspired by the historic rendition of Vishnupant Pagnis.
• Grand Finale: The parade will conclude with the unveiling of a massive Vande Mataram banner and the release of thousands of tricolor balloons.

2. Chief Guests & Diplomatic Significance

For the first time, the Republic Day parade will host two top leaders of the European Union simultaneously:

• Antonio Costa: President of the European Council.
• Ursula von der Leyen: President of the European Commission.
• Strategic Context: Their visit coincides with the 16th India-EU Summit scheduled for January 27, where officials aim to conclude long-standing Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

3. Military Highlights: The “Battle Array” Debut

While culture takes center stage, the Indian Army will showcase a groundbreaking Battle Array Formation for the first time on Kartavya Path.

• New Units: The newly raised Bhairav Regiment will make its debut, alongside the 61 Cavalry (the world’s only active horsed cavalry).
• Indigenous Might: Mechanized columns will feature the Arjun MBT, BrahMos cruise missiles, and Shaktiban artillery.
• Drone Shakti: A display of robotic mules and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) will highlight India’s push for “Atmanirbhar” defense tech.

4. Parliament’s “Vande Mataram” Debate: A Winter Recall

The theme follows a high-octane 10-hour debate during the Parliament Winter Session in December 2025.

• BJP’s Stance: PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah argued that the song was a “mantra of national awakening,” while criticizing the historic removal of certain stanzas as “appeasement.”
• Congress’s Stance: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other opposition leaders defended the song’s sanctity while accusing the government of using the 150-year milestone to divert attention from economic issues and upcoming state elections.

Republic Day 2026: At a Glance