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Republic Day

Republic Day 2026 and 2027

Republic Day is one of three national holidays in India and is the celebration of the Constitution of India.

YearDateDayHolidayStates
202626 JanMonRepublic Day National
202726 JanTueRepublic Day National
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Republic Day in India is one of the most celebrated holidays during the year. This special holiday marks the day that the Constitution of India came into effect in India. January 26, 1950, India officially recognised itself as an independent nation.

Each year India has a three-day celebration commemorating Republic Day. A majority of the celebrations are celebrated in the country’s capital of New Delhi, but each of the states within India also hosts their own celebrations.

The Republic Day Parade

The main event of the three day celebration is the Republic Day Parade held in on the Rajpath (ceremonial highway) in New Delhi in front of the President of India. Each state in India has begun to hold similar parades to commemorate this event.

The celebration begins with the Prime Minister laying a wreath at the India Gate commemorating all the people in the armed forces who have given their lives for the country. Once the wreath is laid, there is a 21-gun salute followed by the singing of the national anthem. Honour awards are then bestowed upon certain members of the military and population for acts of bravery and gallantry. Once this has been completed, the parade begins.

The parade is a grand event and a Head of State from another country is always invited to watch the parade with the president. This military is showcased during the parade as well as cultural displays from all around India.

When the parade begins, those who have received the awards of honour are driven past the president to be saluted for their service to India. A helicopter brigade, at the same time, flies over the Gate of India and showers the crowd with rose petals. Members of the military march in the parade, dance troupes perform and sing, and at the same time, fighter jets fly overhead streaming the three colours of the flag is smoke trails behind them. The parade always ends with members of the military performing daredevil tricks on motorcycles.

Other Significant Events During Republic Day

Once the parades are over, there are several other significant events that take place during the three day celebration. Some of these events include:

  • The Prime Ministers Rally in New Delhi that consists of music, dancing and other forms of entertainment that are based off of the cultural significance of India.
  • Lok Tarang National Dance Festival. This festival starts on January 24th and lasts though the last day of celebrations for Republic Day. This festival celebrates the culturally diverse dance styles of India.
  • State Performances. Each state in India has culturally based celebrations during the Republic Day celebrations. These often include performances by school children and local dance troupes and performers.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHolidayStates
202526 JanSunRepublic Day National
202426 JanFriRepublic Day National