India celebrated its 77th Republic Day on Monday, January 26, 2026, with a grand parade on Kartavya Path, Delhi. The event highlighted the 150th anniversary of the National Song, Vande Mataram, and the successes of last year's military campaign, Operation Sindoor. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations. Special guests included Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the dignitaries as they arrived in horse-drawn buggies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top military leaders attended. The ceremony began with President Murmu awarding the Ashoka Chakra to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station in June 2024. A cultural show featured over 100 performers with traditional instruments, symbolizing India's unity in diversity. The parade, led by Lieutenant-General Bhavnish Kumar, showcased a tri-services tableau of weapons used in Operation Sindoor, including BrahMos, Akash missiles, and S-400 systems. The air display stunned crowds with Dhruv helicopters and fighter jets flying in a special "Sindoor formation." New military units, like the Bhairav Battalion, made their debut. The European Union sent a contingent for the first time, displaying flags from EU operations Atalanta and Aspides. Thirty tableaux from states, union territories, and government departments rolled down Kartavya Path, highlighting themes like digital literacy, tribal freedom fighters, cultural heritage, and education reforms. Kerala's tableau featured its Water Metro and green mobility, while Chhattisgarh honored tribal martyrs. Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh also celebrated their history and culture. The Ministry of Home Affairs showcased new criminal laws effective from July 2024. The Culture Ministry marked 150 years of Vande Mataram, with renditions across generations. The School Education Department displayed the evolution under the National Education Policy. Over 10,000 guests attended. Parade enclosures were named after major Indian rivers, adding cultural depth to the grand celebration.