Republic Day 2026: Vande Mataram takes the lead, rivers replace VIP enclosures

This Republic Day will carry a special cultural tone as the 77th parade on Kartavya Path is set to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram . The national song will be the dominant theme throughout the ceremony, with artistic backdrops, floral tributes, and a special logo on invitation cards marking the sesquicentennial. In a symbolic move, the traditional labels such as “VVIP” and “VIP” for parade enclosures have been removed. Instead, all enclosures will be named after Indian rivers, including Ganga , Yamuna , Brahmaputra , Godavari , Krishna , Narmada , Kaveri and many others, giving the event a more inclusive and cultural identity.

Defence Secretary R K Singh said the parade will feature old paintings depicting the opening stanzas of Vande Mataram , displayed along Kartavya Path, while floral artwork on the main stage will pay homage to the song’s composer, Bankim Chandra Chatterjee . At the end of the parade, balloons carrying a Vande Mataram themed banner will be released into the sky, reinforcing the celebratory theme. The event will also have international prominence, as the Republic Day celebrations coincide with the India-EU Summit , and the chief guests, Ursula von der Leyen , President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa , President of the European Council, will attend the parade as part of the broader diplomatic engagement between India and the European Union.

The theme of Vande Mataram will extend beyond the main parade. From January 19 to 26, military and CAPF bands will perform across more than 235 locations in over 120 cities, all presenting musical tributes to the national song. The ancestral home and birthplace of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in Naihati, West Bengal, will be one of the venues for these performances. In addition, 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path, including 17 from states and union territories and 13 from ministries and services. Themes range from Assam’s craft village Ashirakandi to Gujarat’s tribute to the freedom movement through Vande Mataram, West Bengal’s focus on the state’s role in India’s independence, and Uttar Pradesh’s portrayal of Bundelkhand culture. Ministries will also showcase tableaux, including those highlighting the country’s defence achievements and cultural heritage.

To ensure smooth preparations for the parade, Delhi Police have announced traffic restrictions on January 17, 19, 20 and 21. Rehearsals will be held from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, and the route up to the C-Hexagon will be closed to traffic between 10.15 am and 12.30 pm. Crossings at Rafi Marg, Janpath, Man Singh Road and the C-Hexagon will remain closed, and Kartavya Path from Vijay Chowk to India Gate will also be off-limits for general vehicles. Motorists have been advised to use alternate routes such as Ring Road via Sarai Kale Khan, I.P. Flyover towards Rajghat, Lajpat Rai Marg via Mathura Road, Aurobindo Marg and Safdarjung Road, among others, and to follow traffic instructions to avoid congestion.

While the parade celebrates the national song, Vande Mataram has also been at the centre of heated debate in recent months. The song, composed in 1875, has long been revered as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle, but it has also faced opposition from certain groups who argue that mandatory recitation conflicts with their religious beliefs due to the devotional tone and imagery. The debate intensified as several states, including Uttar Pradesh , moved to make the singing of Vande Mataram compulsory in schools. Supporters say it strengthens national unity, while critics argue it could undermine freedom of belief and target minority communities. The issue has also been discussed in Parliament, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised earlier decisions that limited the song to fewer stanzas, while opposition leaders accused the government of using the controversy for political advantage.

The Defence Ministry said that videos on Vande Mataram will be played on screens along Kartavya Path, and the backdrop prints will include Tejendra Kumar Mitra’s paintings from 1923 that illustrate the opening lines of the song. Competitions and quizzes held on MyGov and MyBharat portals drew over 1.6 lakh participants, and the top winners have been invited to witness the parade. Around 2,500 cultural artists will perform along the parade route, and nearly 10,000 special guests from various fields including science, innovation, natural farming, sports and social initiatives have been invited. To encourage public participation, the number of public seats and tickets has been increased, with bookings available through the Aamantran portal and offline counters at major locations. A post-event Swachhata campaign will also be conducted along Kartavya Path with MyBharat volunteers and NCC cadets. A new Rashtraparv portal and mobile app have been developed to provide citizens with details about seating, parking and other arrangements for the Republic Day celebrations.