R-Day To Mark 150 Years Of Vande Mataram
New Delhi: The main theme of the Republic Day Parade this year will be “150 Years of Vande Mataram”. For the first time, some Indian Army units will introduce a phased Battle Series Format with live commentary explaining the roles of various formations and equipment.
Newly formed Indian Army light commando Bhairav battalions, specialized Shaktibaan artillery units and Ladakh Scouts will march on the Kartavya Road. A total of 18 marching troops will participate in the parade, as well as a small European Union naval contingent.
Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29 warplanes and Apache helicopters will take part in the flight. Indigenous weapon systems such as BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Akash surface-to-air missile will also be exhibited.
Approximately 77,000 people are expected to watch the parade, which will last approximately 90 minutes.
In a move aimed at ending VIP culture, this year the guest enclosures will be named after Indian rivers instead of the earlier V1, V2 format, which often leads to confusion and exclusive demand, official sources said.
As many as 30 paintings will be rolled on Kartavya Road, 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Union ministries, reflecting the themes of Vande Mataram and self-reliance.
The Indian Army’s animal contingent will march for the first time during the 2026 Republic Day Parade. The troop will include two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four raptors, ten Indian breed Army dogs and six traditional military dogs currently in service.
Addressing a press conference in South Block, Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh said that the 77th Republic Day celebrations will include many firsts. Invitations will feature Vande Mataram’s 500th anniversary logo, and a group of balloons bearing this theme will be released at the end of the parade.
Band performances of the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces will be held under the theme of Vande Mataram at around 235 locations in more than 120 cities between January 19-26. The enclosure backdrops along Kartavya Road will also display reproductions of artist Tejendra Kumar Mitra’s paintings depicting the opening lines of Vande Mataram, first printed in 1923, officials said.
