India will mark its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with the iconic parade set to return to Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The celebrations will feature elaborate military displays, vibrant cultural tableaux, and civil contingents representing states and institutions from across the country.
What’s in store this Republic Day season
Preparations for the national celebrations are already underway, with large-scale rehearsals taking place in the capital. In addition to Republic Day drills at Kartavya Path, the 78th Army Day Parade will be held on January 15 in Jaipur. According to news agency ANI, this will be the first time the parade is conducted in a public, non-cantonment location.
This year’s Army Day Parade will spotlight key defence platforms showcased under “Operation Sindoor,” including T-90 tanks, BrahMos missiles, and M-777 howitzers — underscoring India’s growing emphasis on indigenisation and modernisation of its armed forces.
January 15 holds historic significance as it commemorates the day in 1949 when General K M Cariappa took charge as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army, succeeding the last British chief.
Republic Day 2026: Key dates
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January 26, 2026: Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi
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January 28, 2026: Full Dress Rehearsal of the Beating Retreat ceremony
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January 29, 2026: Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk, formally concluding the celebrations
Ticket sales: Dates and prices
Tickets for all three events are available from January 5 to January 14, 2026, or until daily quotas are filled, ANI reported.
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Republic Day Parade (Jan 26): ₹20 and ₹100
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Full Dress Rehearsal – Beating Retreat (Jan 28): ₹20
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Beating Retreat Ceremony (Jan 29): ₹100
How to book tickets
Tickets can be booked online via the official Aamantran portal at aamantran.mod.gov.in or through the Aamantran mobile app, with bookings opening daily at 9 am.
Offline ticket sales are also available at designated locations in Delhi from January 5 to January 14, operating between 10 am–1 pm and 2 pm–5 pm.
Offline counters are located at Sena Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, Parliament House reception, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, and Kashmere Gate Metro Station.
Purchasers must present a valid original government-issued photo ID — such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving Licence — which must also be carried on the day of the event.
What spectators can expect
The Republic Day Parade will showcase aerial fly-pasts, synchronised military drills, colourful state tableaux, and cultural performances celebrating India’s constitutional journey and diversity.
In a first, a special animal contingent from the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps will take part, featuring Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, trained dogs, and raptors — highlighting the crucial role animals play in military operations.
Important tips for visitors
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Tickets are limited and typically sell out quickly, so early booking is strongly recommended.
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Visitors should arrive well in advance to account for security checks and must carry the same photo ID used during ticket purchase.
Last year’s overwhelming public response prompted the Defence Ministry to release additional passes to widen participation — a move expected to continue this year as well.
For the latest updates and official announcements, visitors can check rashtraparv.mod.gov.in.
