New Delhi: The Republic Day 2026 celebrations will prominently showcase 150 years of Vande Mataram, India’s revered national song, weaving together patriotic fervour, cultural heritage, and military strength in a grand tribute.
This special theme anchors the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, reflecting the spirit and legacy of the song that has inspired generations of Indians. It also reinforces the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat while celebrating India’s vibrant diversity and unity.
150 Years of Vande Mataram: A Patriotic Theme for Republic Day 2026
This year’s Republic Day Parade is unlike any before, with the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram forming the central theme. The celebrations pay homage to this iconic national song that played a pivotal role in India’s freedom movement and remains a symbol of patriotic pride.
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The parade will feature a series of historic paintings created in 1923 by Tejendra Kumar Mitra, illustrating the verses of Vande Mataram, displayed as artistic view-cutters along Kartavya Path.
150 Years of Vande Mataram: Cultural Programmes and Nationwide Band Performances
To bring the theme to life across India, pan-India band performances will be organized between January 19 and January 26 by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Central Armed Police Forces. These performances will be centred around the compositions and patriotic resonance of Vande Mataram, enhancing nationwide participation.
Significant venues for these performances include Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s ancestral home and birthplace at Naihati in West Bengal, embedding cultural heritage into the celebrations.
Tableaux, Artists, and National Participation
The parade will showcase multiple tableaux based on the themes ‘Svatantra ka Mantra – Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra – Atmanirbhar Bharat’. These visuals aim to connect India’s historical origins with its modern aspirations of economic self-reliance and progress.
Almost 2,500 cultural artists will participate in the performances on Kartavya Path. Additionally, top 200 winners of national competitions based on Vande Mataram and Atmanirbhar Bharat will witness the parade as distinguished invitees.
Defence Displays and Inclusivity
While the focus remains on Vande Mataram, the parade will also display India’s military prowess with marching contingents, mechanised columns, and advanced defence systems—a staple feature of Republic Day. Reports suggest participation from elite units alongside demonstrations of equipment and flypasts.
The 2026 celebrations have adopted an inclusive approach by inviting 10,000 special guests from diverse walks of life, including para-athletes, farmers, scientists, students, and others who embody India’s spirit of achievement and resilience.
Unique Features and Symbolism
In a departure from tradition, guest enclosures at Kartavya Path will be named after Indian rivers, replacing earlier protocol labels—a symbolic gesture underscoring unity and ecological diversity.
At the conclusion of the parade, a banner depicting Vande Mataram will be unveiled, accompanied by the release of balloons, marking a memorable visual tribute to the song’s legacy.
About Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, is a distinguished 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre. He took charge as the 40th Defence Secretary of India on 1 November 2024, following a long and varied administrative career across central and state government assignments.
As Defence Secretary, Singh plays a pivotal role in steering the Ministry of Defence’s strategic, policy, and administrative initiatives, and he has previously served in key positions such as Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and Secretary for Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
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