Republic Day 2026: India’s Republic Day celebrations will begin with a key national address by President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the occasion. Her speech will set the tone for the country’s 77th Republic Day, which will be observed on January 26, 2026.
The address is a long-standing tradition and reflects on India’s democratic journey, constitutional values, and national priorities. Millions of citizens across India and abroad are expected to tune in to hear the President’s message ahead of the grand Republic Day parade.
President Murmu to Address the Nation: When & What Time?
President Droupadi Murmu will address the nation on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 7:00 pm IST. This will be her fourth Republic Day address since she assumed office in 2022. The speech comes a day before Republic Day and is watched as one of the most important annual national addresses.
President Murmu Speech Live: Where to Watch?
The President’s speech will be widely broadcast to ensure maximum reach.
It will be:
- Broadcast on Akashvani (All India Radio)
- Telecast on all Doordarshan channels in Hindi first
- Followed by the English version
- Regional language versions will air at 9:30 pm
The address will also be available on Doordarshan’s YouTube channel. In addition, it will be streamed live on the President’s official social media platforms, including X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.
Why Does the President Give a Speech Before Republic Day?
The President’s address on the eve of Republic Day is a constitutional tradition. It serves as a moment of national reflection before the celebrations on January 26. The speech highlights:
- India’s democratic values
- Constitutional principles
- Social and economic progress
- Challenges and aspirations ahead
It also reminds citizens of their rights and duties under the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950.
What Else Will President Murmu Do Ahead of Republic Day?
Apart from her national address, President Murmu will also preside over the 16th National Voters’ Day event in New Delhi as the chief guest, as announced by the Election Commission of India.
The theme of the event is “My India, My Vote”, with the tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy.” The event highlights the importance of voter participation and democratic responsibility.
Republic Day Parade: What to Expect on January 26?
The Republic Day Parade will take place on January 26, 2026, at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The parade will showcase:
- Marching contingents of the armed forces
- Cultural tableaux from states and ministries
- Displays of India’s military strength
- Performances by schoolchildren
The President will unfurl the national flag and take the salute. The parade will be broadcast live on national television and online platforms.
How to Prepare to Watch the Speech & Parade?
Viewers can plan by:
- Tuning in to Doordarshan and Akashvani
- Following official YouTube and social media channels
- Checking regional language telecast schedules
- Watching the parade live on the morning of January 26
- Digital platforms allow viewers to follow the events even if they miss the live broadcast.
Previous Presidential Speeches
In her earlier Republic Day addresses, President Murmu spoke about the core values of democracy, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
She praised government initiatives on inclusion and welfare, highlighted social justice as a priority, and acknowledged achievements in sports, space science, and global recognition. She also spoke about reforms aimed at shedding colonial-era legacies.
These speeches have consistently focused on national unity and India’s evolving role on the global stage.
