Republic Day 2026: Will India celebrate its 77th or 78th Republic Day on January 26? Know significance, chief guests

Updated on: Jan 25, 2026, 07:21:07 IST

By Krishna Pallavi Priya

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Republic Day is not merely a national celebration; it is also a tribute to the day our Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950. (Photo by Raju Shinde/HT Photo)

Republic Day 2026: As India observes Republic Day on January 26 with patriotic events and a parade, find out whether it is the 77th or 78th Republic Day.

Republic Day 2026: India is gearing up for one of its most significant national celebrations – Republic Day. In 2026, the country will commemorate the 77th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, observing its 77th Republic Day with pride and patriotism, featuring a grand parade and nationwide festivities.

Also Read | Republic Day 2026: What's open, what's closed in Delhi on January 26

Republic Day is not merely a national celebration; it is also a tribute to the day our Constitution came into force on January 26, 1950, shaping India into the world’s largest democracy. The country celebrated its first Republic Day on January 26, 1951.

Republic Day 2026: Significance of the 77th Republic Day

Rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day parade are underway on Kartavya Path. (Raj K Raj/ Hindustan Times)

While India gained independence on August 15, 1947, it began governing itself under its own constitutional framework on January 26, 1950. Every year, the day is commemorated with a spectacular Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path near India Gate in New Delhi, which is watched by millions of Indians. It honours the nation’s sovereignty, democratic values, and progress, while also showcasing the impressive military formations and vibrant cultural tableaux.

The theme for the 2026 Republic Day celebration centres on ‘Vande Mataram’ and the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, reflecting patriotic spirit and a focus on self-reliance.

Meanwhile, the rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day parade are underway at Kartavya Path ahead of the January 26 celebrations. The Republic Day Parade will be held on January 26, 2026, while the Beating the Retreat Full Dress Rehearsal will take place on January 28, followed by the Beating the Retreat ceremony on January 29. January 26 is observed as a national holiday.

Republic Day 2026: Chief guests for Republic Day celebrations

This year, the European Council President, Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, and the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests at the 77th Republic Day celebrations. They will also represent the EU at the 16th EU-India Summit, scheduled for January 27.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Krishna Pallavi Priya
Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!.

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News, Merry Christmas 2025 on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.