Republic Day 2026: From 1950 to 2026 — Celebrating 77 Years With 77 Interesting Facts on India | How Many Did You Know?

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Today, India marks its 77th Republic Day, a historic milestone marking 76 years since the Constitution of India came into force in 1950. While independence was gained in 1947, it was on this day that it officially shed its status as a British Dominion to become a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic Republic nation.

At Kartavya Path, the 2026 celebrations highlight the grand theme of “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” honoring the national song. This year’s ceremony gains distinction with two Chief Guests from the European Union—Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa—pointing to India’s expanding global presence and influence worldwide.

To mark this occasion, here are 77 facts spanning the history, traditions, and unique highlights of this year’s parade.

Historical Origins & Significance

• January 26 was chosen to honour the 1930 “Purna Swaraj” (Complete Independence) declaration.
• Before 1950, India was a constitutional monarchy under Britain’s King George VI.
• From 1930 to 1947, January 26 was celebrated as “Independence Day” by freedom fighters.
• It took nearly three years after the 1947 independence to become a republic.
• The Constitution replaced the British-era Government of India Act (1935).
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad became India’s first President at 10:24 AM on Jan 26, 1950.
• The first Republic Day chief guest was Indonesia’s President Sukarno.
• The first parade was not on Rajpath; it was at Delhi’s Irwin Stadium.
• From 1950-1954, the parade venue rotated between four locations in Delhi.
• Rajpath (now Kartavya Path) became the permanent venue only in 1955.
• Pakistan’s Governor-General was the first chief guest at the Rajpath parade.
• The Indian Air Force gained its complete, independent charter on this day in 1950.
• Hindi was declared India’s official language on Republic Day in 1965.
• The Lion Capital of Ashoka was adopted as the National Emblem on the first Republic Day.
• “Jai Hind,” popularized by Netaji Subhas Bose, is the official ceremonial greeting.

The Indian Constitution

• India has the world’s longest written constitution for a sovereign nation.
• Drafting took exactly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days.
• The original Constitution was entirely handwritten.
• Calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada penned the English version in flowing italic script.
• Artists from Shantiniketan, led by Nandalal Bose, illustrated every page.
• There are two original handwritten copies: one in English and one in Hindi.
• 308 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the document on January 24, 1950.
• The original copies are preserved in special helium-filled cases in Parliament.
• It is often called a “bag of borrowings” for incorporating features from other nations’ constitutions.
• The ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity were inspired by the French motto.
• Drafting the Constitution cost approximately ₹6.4 million at the time.
• The original document had 395 Articles, 8 Schedules, and 22 Parts.
• As of 2026, it has grown to over 470 Articles through amendments.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is officially recognized as the “Father of the Constitution.”
• Over 2,000 amendments were made to the first draft before finalization.
• The Preamble is based on Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Objective Resolution.”
• The words “Socialist” and “Secular” were added to the Preamble in 1976 via an amendment.

The 2026 Parade & Celebrations

• 2026 Theme: The central theme is “150 Years of Vande Mataram.”
• Secondary Focus: “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) is a key display theme.
• First-Time Guests: For the first time, two European Union leaders are chief guests.
• The guests are EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and former Portuguese PM António Costa.
• Their presence highlights strengthened India-EU strategic and trade ties.
• The President and guests arrive in a traditional horse-drawn buggy, a revived practice.
• On Republic Day, the flag is “unfurled,” not “hoisted” (as on Independence Day).
• The unfurling is followed by the ‘Dhwaj’ formation: four Mi-17 helicopters showering petals.
• The National Anthem’s performance is timed to last exactly 52 seconds.
• The 21-gun salute is fired from indigenous 105-mm Indian Field Guns.
• The salute is performed by the 1721 Ceremonial Battery of the 172 Field Regiment.
• Jan Bhagidari: 10,000 special guests include farmers, artisans, and ISRO scientists.
• Medallists from the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships are honored guests.
• CEOs of India’s first green hydrogen production companies are invited.

2026 Military & Tech Firsts

• Operation Sindoor: The 2026 parade highlights this recent military operation.
• A specialized “Sindoor” fly-past features participating Rafale and MiG aircraft.
• DRDO is showcasing a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile capable of Mach 10 speed.
• The Army is debuting a new “Battle Array” combat format.
• Robotic Dogs: Trained surveillance robots are part of a contingent for the first time.
• A display of indigenous “swarm drone” technology for warfare is featured.
• The parade includes the T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank with indigenous upgrades.
• The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a key part of the mechanized column.
• The LCA Tejas fighter jet is showcased as a symbol of self-reliance.
• A “Him Yodhas” segment features soldiers and animals trained for extreme altitudes.
• The animal contingent includes rare Bactrian (double-humped) camels and Zanskar ponies.
• The Navy’s tableau depicts India’s maritime journey from ancient ships to INS Vikrant.
• Cinema First: A first-ever tableau dedicated to Indian cinema is curated by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
• The Indian Coast Guard’s marching contingent is entirely women.
• The Indian Air Force has a special tableau dedicated to its veterans.

Culture, Traditions & More

• A total of 30 tableaux (17 States/UTs and 13 Ministries) are part of the 2026 parade.
• Assam’s tableau showcases its traditional terracotta craft.
• Himachal Pradesh’s tableau highlights its identity as “Dev Bhoomi.”
• Approximately 2,500 cultural performers are part of the “Vande Mataram” showcase.
• The opening act, “Vividata Mein Ekta,” features 100 artists playing diverse instruments.
• Archival paintings from 1923 illustrating “Vande Mataram” are displayed along the path.
• The President announces the Padma Awards on the eve of Republic Day.
• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for children is also announced.
• The hymn “Abide With Me,” a favorite of Mahatma Gandhi, was traditionally part of the ceremony.
• Republic Day celebrations are a four-day affair, concluding on January 29.
• The Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk marks the official end.
• The Beating Retreat music now prominently features Indian tunes.
• The President’s Bodyguard is the Indian Army’s most senior cavalry regiment.
• 2026 Security: AI-enabled smart glasses and over 1,000 facial recognition cameras are deployed.
• While “Vande Mataram” is the 2026 theme song, “Jana Gana Mana” remains the National Anthem for the ceremony.
• Unlike many global military parades, India’s celebrates its Constitution and democratic identity, not a war victory.