Nation celebrates 76th Republic Day at Kartavya Path

President Droupadi Murmu led the nation to celebrate the 76th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with an impressive parade and cultural extravaganza at the Kartavya Path(earlier Janpath) in New Delhi. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day celebration of 2025. 

Republic Day has been observed on the 26th of January since 1950 to mark the promulgation of the Indian constitution on this day in 1950.

The President of India unfurls the National Flag at the Republic Day Parade.

Union Ministry of Defence organises and manages the Republic Day celebration.

Republic Day Celeberation 

Since 2022, the Republic Day celebration of the government of India in New Delhi starts on 23rd January and continues till 30th January.

23rd January is observed in the country as the Parakram Diwas which is the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The first Prakram Diwas was observed in 2021.

On 26th January an impressive parade and cultural programmes are held on the Kartavya Path.

Beating Retreat Ceremony

• The Beating Retreat ceremony is held on 29th January at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi. The ceremony features a musical performance by the bands of the Indian Armed Forces - Army, Navy, Air Force, Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), and the Delhi Police. 
• The Beating Retreat ceremony marks the end of the Republic Day parade and it is presided over by the President of India.
• ‘Beating Retreat' marks a centuries-old military tradition. At sunset, the troops ceased fighting, sheathed their arms, withdrew from the battlefield, and returned to the camps. 
• During the Beating Retreat ceremony, the Armed Forces ask the permission of the President to go back to their barracks.
• The President is the Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.

Martyrs Day

• Martyr’s Day, observed on 30th January to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, will officially mark the end of the Republic Day festivities.

Highlights of the 2025 Republic Day Parade 

• The Commander of the 2025 Republic Day Parade was Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area.
• The 152-member Indonesian National Armed Forces and 190-member Military Band of Indonesia’s Military Academy also participated in the parade.
• The first foreign military contingent to participate in the Republic Day parade was the French Army band which participated in the 67th Republic Day parade in 2016.
• Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. led the 148-member all-women marching contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
• Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee led the Camel contingent of the Border Security Force (BSF).

Tableaux and its Theme 

• Every year the historical and cultural diversity achievements of the country are displayed through tableaux
• The Theme of the Republic Day tableaux is chosen by the Union Ministry of Defence.
• The theme of the 2025 Republic Day tableaux was Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.
• 15 States/Union Territories and 10 Ministries/departments of central governments displayed their tableaux.

Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam

• 5,000 artists from different parts of the country performed over 45 dances titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam’.
• For the first time, the performance covered the entire Kartavya Path to ensure that all guests get the same viewing experience.

Bharat Parv

• The Union Ministry of Tourism organises the ‘Bharat Parv’ festival from 26-31st January 2025 to coincide with the Republic Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
• During the Bharat Parv the various Tableaux displayed at the Kartavya Path will be displayed along with cultural performances, Military Bands (Static), etc.

Also read: Defence Ministry Launches Rashtraparv Website & Mobile App 

Indonesian President Subianto to be Chief Guest at 2025 Republic Day