Republic Day Parade 2026 Awards: Navy, Maharashtra Lead Winners

At the Republic Day Parade 2026, the award for the best marching contingent among the three armed forces was given to the Indian Navy, and in the category of states/union territories, Maharashtra (Ganeshotsav: a symbol of self-reliance) received the award.

• The results of the best marching contingents among the three services and the Central Armed Police Forces/other auxiliary forces, and the best tableaux among the states/union territories and ministries/departments for the Republic Day Parade 2026 have been announced.
• The panel of three judges constituted to evaluate the performance of the contingents and tableaux selected the following: Best marching contingent among the three armed forces – Indian Navy
• Best marching contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces – Delhi Police

Top three tableaux (states/union territories): 

• Maharashtra (Ganeshotsav: a symbol of self-reliance)
• Jammu and Kashmir (Handicrafts and folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir)
• Kerala (Water Metro and 100% digital literacy: Self-reliant Kerala for a self-reliant India)

Best tableau among central ministries/departments

• Ministry of Culture (Vande Mataram – the call of the soul of a nation)

Special awards: 

• Central Public Works Department (Vande Mataram – commemoration of 150 years completed)
• ‘Vande Mataram: India’s eternal echo’ dance group

According to the MyGov portal

• Best marching contingent among the three armed forces - Assam Regiment
• Best marching contingent among CAPF/other auxiliary forces – CRPF

Top three tableaux (states/union territories): 

• Gujarat (Mantra of Swadeshi – self-reliance – freedom: Vande Mataram)
• Uttar Pradesh (Culture of Bundelkhand)
• Rajasthan (Golden touch of the desert: Bikaner gold art (Usta art))

Best tableau among central ministries/departments

• Ministry of School Education and Literacy (National Education Policy 2020: taking Indian school education on the path to a developed India)

Republic Day Parade

• On 26 January, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, which formally established the country as a 'sovereign democratic republic'. The country’s first President Rajendra Prasad unfurled the tricolour, while the ceremonial parade was held at the Irwin Stadium near Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate.
• The 77th Republic Day celebrations were organized around the main theme of "150 years of Vande Mataram". The President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission were the chief guests.
• For the first time, the Indian Army also showcased the Battle Array format, along with traditional marching contingents and service presentations. In the "Battle Array Format", ground forces were integrated with aerial elements. This display included a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first indigenously developed armored light special vehicle.

The main events of the Republic Day Parade, 2026 include: 

• A total of 30 tableaux presented by states, union territories, and central ministries, based on the themes of the mantra of freedom – Vande Mataram and the mantra of prosperity – self-reliant India.
• Participation of about 2,500 artists in the cultural presentation on Kartavya Path.
• About 10,000 special guests from across the country were invited.