Republic Day 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Parade Preparations

The first Republic Day 2026 parade after Operation Sindoor promises a range of cultural diversity with a variety of indigenous platforms, in a phased battle array formation. It will also showcase India’s Indian military power along with highlights of contribution by veterans and newly raised Bhairav battalion and Ladakh scouts.

According to PTI reports, the Republic Day Celebrations 2026 at Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026, will be a unique blend of 150 years of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’, India’s military might and cultural diversity.

What is phased battle array formation in Republic Day 2026 Parade?

“The aerial component will also be shown in battle array formation,” Defence Secretary RK Singh said as per an official statement given to PTI news agency. This implies that they will move down the ceremonial boulevard in the same formation as they would in any combat scenario, beginning with reconnaissance and moving on to logistics and other military units that will accompany these platforms. All of these units will be seen donning combat gear. 

The goal of this new format is to increase spectator interest in the parade.

Who will be the Chief guests for Republic Day 2026?

Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, will be the chief guests at the Republic Day 2026 parade.

What can you expect in the ceremonial event on Republic Day 2026 parade?

The Army Chief, Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, told reporters in Jaipur earlier this month that the flypast at the ceremonial event will include transport aircraft C-130 and C-295 as well as Rafale, Su-30, P8I, MiG-29, Apache, LCH (Light Combat Helicopter), ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), and Mi-17 helicopters in various formations. 

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Shaktiban, and a static display of some drones are among the defense assets that will be on display, according to Defense Secretary RK Singh.

The Republic Day 2026 parade will feature diverse groups, including the Shaktiban Drone Shakti, a Bactrian Camel contingent, indigenous dog squads, and the high-stepping “Kadam Kaatal” by commando battalions.

Highlights for the Republic Day 2026 Parade:

Offline And Online Tickets purchases made easier

Online tickets can be purchased via both online and offline ways. Online tickets can be purchased directly from the Aamantran website i.e.,www.aamantran.mod.gov.in. The tickets can also be purchased from the Booths/Counters in these six locations. Till now at least 32,000 tickets are sold for this parade.

Digital & Visitor Initiatives

To enhance the experience for visitors:

• Several parking levels are being integrated with Google Maps for easy navigation, and animated videos are available to explain traffic access.

• Improvements include better drinking water facilities, washroom facilities, cloakrooms for small items, and a dedicated portal for all relevant event information.

No More ‘VVIP Culture’

This year’s Republic Day parade will not use “VVIP” or other labels that were previously used for enclosures at the parade ground. Instead, all enclosures have been named after Indian rivers, according to senior Defense Ministry officials on Friday. 

Beas, Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghaghara, Godavari, Indus, Jhelum, Kaveri, Kosi, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada, Pennar, Periyar, Ravi, Son, Sutlej, Teesta, Vaigai, and Yamuna are among them, they said. 

Bansuri, Damru, Ektara, Esraj, Mridangam, Nagara, Pakhawaj, Santoor, Sarangi, Sarinda, Sarod, Shehnai, Sitar, Surbahar, Tabla, and Veena are some of the Indian musical instruments are featured in the enclosures for the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29.

26 years old Women officer set to lead all 140 men CRPF contingent

For the first time, a female officer will lead a group of more than 140 male employees at the yearly national event. Simran Bala, a 26-year-old CRPF Assistant Commandant from Rajouri district in JandK, will lead an all-male contingent of her force on January 26 at Kartavya Path in Delhi for the Republic Day parade. She is the first woman from the district to become an officer in the biggest paramilitary group in the nation.

India on alert as intel flags terror threats from Bangladeshi, Khalistani outfits

According to intelligence sources cited by news agency ANI, “Ahead of January 26, intelligence agencies have issued an alert warning that Khalistani terrorist organisations and Bangladesh-based terror outfits may attempt to target Delhi and several other cities across the country.” 

These gangsters are active throughout Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and they are progressively creating operational connections with the Khalistan terrorist element, according to this alert.

Recently, on 24 January 2026 late night, a powerful explosion is said to have blown off causing structural damage in Sirhind railway station. Some reports are suggesting that high-grade explosives might have been involved.