India Republic Day 2026: Parade, Flag hoisting time, celebration, and all you need to know

India will be celebrating its 77th Republic Day on 26th January 2026. The constitution of India was adopted on 26th November 1949 and came into effect on 26th January 1950. It replaced the Government of India Act of 1935, thereby declaring the country as a Sovereign, Democratic, Republic. Since then, every year India's Republic Day is celebrated on January 26.

The constitution of India was chaired by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. He is known as the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution’. The constituent assembly laid the principles of liberty, equality, justice, and democratic ethos. The making of the Indian constitution marked the end of British colonial rule. India began its journey of ‘Purna Swaraj’ as the constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950.

Read more: India Republic Day 2026: Parade, Flag hoisting time, celebration, and all you need to know

Republic Day is the event to celebrate the democratic principles enshrined in the Constitution. It is the time to extend gratitude to the visionary architects of the constitution who laid the foundation of Independent India. India did not have a constitution until 1949, it was due to the efforts of the visionary Indian leaders that the constitution ideals came into effect.

The drafting committee of the constitution was founded on 29th August 1947 and the notable members of the drafting committee include A.K Ayyar, N Gopalaswami, B.R. Ambedkar, B.L Mitter, K.M. Munshi, Mohammad Saadulla, D.P. Khaitan. The Constituent Assembly of India was established in 1946. It played a pivotal role in making the Constitution. Dr. Rajendra Prasad was elected as the President of the constituent assembly. On 26th January 1950, the flag hoisting was carried out by the first President of India, D.R. Rajendra Prasad.

Read more: Happy Republic Day 2026: 51+ Best Republic Day Wishes, Messages and Quotes to Share with Your Friends and Family

Republic Day Parade

The Republic Day parade will commence at 10:30 a.m. from Vijay Chowk. Every year Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January at Rajpath, New Delhi. The Republic Day parade is one of the top attractions of the event. The event begins with parades by the regiment of Indian Navy, Army, Paramilitary forces, and the police displaying the nation’s military might, and cultural diversity. India displays its defensive strength with the latest missiles, aircraft, and weaponry. The airshows by the Indian armed forces fill the air with pride and patriotism. Magnificent parades by the regiments of the Indian army uplift the honour of our motherland.

The Republic Day parade will start at Rashtrapati Bhawan and proceed to the Rajpath. Before the Parade, the Prime Minister of India lays a floral wreath at the National War Memorial as a solemn tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country. The parade ends with the motorcycle riding display by Armed Forces and civil security forces motorcycle units.

The Republic Day parade cultivates a patriotic spirit among its citizens. The diverse tableau presentations during the parade evoke love for the nation. It signifies India’s rich cultural diversity and unity.

Flag hoisting time

The tricolor flag is tied with the flowers and is unfurled by the President of India at the Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The flag unfurling ceremony is followed by the National Anthem- ‘Jana Gana Mana’. The flag hoisting usually happens at 8:00 a.m at Kartavya Path, New Delhi. The flag is tied as the bundle with flowers on top of the flagpole and is unfurled by the President.

Republic Day Celebration 2026

The Republic Day celebration begins with numerous flypasts by the Indian forces. The tableaus show India’s rich cultural history, culture, and tradition. The President of India unfurls the national flag followed by the National Anthem. An award ceremony is conducted and the President of India distributes the Padma Award, one of the highest civilian awards, and soldiers are awarded Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Vir Chakra. This year French President Immanuel Macron is invited as the chief guest. The Parade will commence at 10:30 a.m. at Rajpath, New Delhi. The cultural pageantry of Republic Day includes vibrant folk dance performances and patriotic songs.

The theme of the Republic Day 2026 parade is ‘Viksit Bharat’ and India – The Mother of Democracy. It is indeed a proud moment to see the unique tableaus representing the different cultures of Indian States.

As per the reports of ANI, the ISRO’s tableau will display the successful launch of Chandrayan-3 at this year’s Republic Day parade, highlighting the landing point.

The Indian Air Force performs the flypast with fighter jets leaving the spread of tricolor in the sky. The seating arrangement at Rajpath will be for 77,000 people and 42,000 seats are reserved for the general public.

The beating retreat ceremony concludes Republic Day celebrations. It is held on the evening of 29th January, three days after Republic Day. It is conducted at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi. The Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force perform it.

Republic Day celebration is observed at educational institutions all over the country. The celebration begins with patriotic songs followed by the hoisting of the national flag. Students participate in role plays, and speeches extending heartfelt gratitude to the freedom fighters and architects of the Indian constitution who shaped our nation’s democratic ideals.