R-Day parade: Navy contingent best, full list of winners

The 77th Republic Day Parade 2026 culminated in the announcement of awards recognising the most outstanding marching contingents and tableaux, showcasing national pride, cultural diversity, and disciplined ceremonial prowess. The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday announced winners chosen by three separate expert panels that assessed performances of marching units from the armed forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other auxiliary services, and the creative tableaux presented by States, Union Territories and Central Ministries/Departments.

Among the three Services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the best marching contingent , a tribute to its exceptional precision, discipline and coordination along the ceremonial Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Led by Lt. Karan Nagyal, the 144‑member contingent marched shoulder to shoulder, projecting a strong image of maritime strength and operational unity.

In the CAPFs and auxiliary forces category, the Delhi Police was declared the best marching contingent , earning recognition for high standards of drill, synchronization and uniformity .

In the States and Union Territories tableau competition , Maharashtra claimed the first prize with its vibrant display titled “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta” , celebrating the festival’s cultural legacy and its resonance with self-reliance. Jammu & Kashmir took second place for its tableau on handicrafts and folk dances , while Kerala claimed third for its presentation on Water Metro and 100 % digital literacy towards Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat . Maharashtra’s entry was noted for combining traditional imagery with contemporary themes , accompanied by women performers delivering the Lezim folk dance along the parade route.

The Ministry of Culture won the best tableau award among Central Ministries and Departments for “Vande Mataram: The Soul Cry of a Nation” , marking 150 years of the iconic song . The tableau traced the journey of Vande Mataram from its composition by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee to its enduring cultural resonance across generations through historical references and modern representations.

Special recognitions were given to the Central Public Works Department for a floral float celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram and to the dance group ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ for their performance.

The results of the ‘Popular Choice’ category , determined through an online public poll on the MyGov portal , were also revealed. In this segment, the Assam Regiment was voted by citizens as the best marching contingent among the three Services , while the CRPF topped the CAPFs and auxiliary forces category. For tableaux, Gujarat led with its theme “Mantra of Swadeshi – Self‑Reliance – Freedom: Vande Mataram” , followed by Uttar Pradesh ( Culture of Bundelkhand ) and Rajasthan ( Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art) ). The Department of School Education & Literacy won the popular choice award among ministries for its tableau themed National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat .

The trophy presentation ceremony is scheduled for January 30 at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp (RR Camp) in Delhi Cantonment, where senior officials from the Ministries of Defence and Home Affairs will preside over the event.

The broader Republic Day celebrations on January 26 at Kartavya Path drew thousands of spectators, underscoring India’s unity in diversity. Beyond the awards, the parade featured marching contingents of the Army, Navy and Air Force , displays of indigenous military hardware , and an airshow by 29 aircraft including fighter jets and helicopters , reflecting both ceremonial splendor and defence capabilities. Dignitaries including the President, Prime Minister and top international guests attended the event.