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Republic Day 2026 President Droupadi Murmu Speech Live: The 77th Republic Day celebrations will formally begin on Saturday evening with President Droupadi Murmu addressing the nation at 7 pm. The customary address, delivered on the eve of Republic Day, will be broadcast via Akashvani and Doordarshan, first in Hindi, followed by English and regional-language versions to reach a wider audience.
Republic Day celebrations will continue on January 26 with the annual parade at Kartavya Path, which will combine cultural pageantry with a display of military strength. This year’s parade will feature 30 tableaux from states, Union Territories and central ministries. The event will also see President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen attending as chief guests.
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Kartavya Path parade preparations
In a notable first, Indian Army contingents will march in a combat-ready battle formation, underlining operational preparedness. The Army’s tableau will showcase an Integrated Operations Centre along with advanced, technology-driven defence systems. More than 6,000 participants, supported by military and pipe bands, will take part in the parade.
The Republic Day Parade will mark 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and will feature a total of 30 tableaux, 17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries, Departments and Services.
The tableaux will present a visual narrative of India’s freedom movement, cultural diversity and progress towards self-reliance across sectors. The tableaux will present a blend of India’s freedom movement legacy, cultural diversity and contemporary achievements, with themes ranging from heritage crafts and folk traditions to self-reliance, innovation, defence preparedness and nation-building initiatives.
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More about the R-Day parade
The parade will showcase a phased battle array display by the Indian Army, mechanised columns, marching contingents, military bands and a Tri-services tableau titled ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’, highlighting India’s evolving military doctrine, indigenous defence capabilities and integrated operational strength. A veterans’ tableau by the Indian Air Force will also form part of the display, paying tribute to the contribution of ex-servicemen.
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend as the Chief Guests for the Republic Day Parade 2026. As per tradition, the National Flag will be unfurled, followed by the National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.
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19:17 (IST) 25 Jan 2026
President Murmu greets citizens on eve of Republic Day
President Murmu extended her greetings to citizens on the eve of the 77th Republic Day and praised the armed forces for their preparedness in safeguarding the nation and its people.
“We, the people of India, both at home and abroad, are preparing to celebrate Republic Day with great enthusiasm. This auspicious occasion gives us the opportunity to reflect on our nation’s journey — its past, its present and the path ahead. The strength of our freedom movement transformed the destiny of the country on August 15, 1947, when India attained independence,” she said. |
