BrahMos and Akash weapon systems, rocket launcher system ‘Suryastra’ with deep-strike capabilities, and Main Battle Tank Arjun will be among the key military platforms that India will showcase during the Republic Parade on the Kartavya Path on Monday.

The newly-raised Bhairav light commando battalion and Shaktiban Regiment, Zanskar ponies and Bactrian camels will be part of the ceremonial event for the first time, officials said.

Marking another first, the contingent members of the mounted 61 Cavalry will be seen in battle gear, while key Army assets, including indigenous platforms accompanied by personnel, will roll down the Kartavya Path in a “phased battle array formation”.

The 61 Cavalry, known for its imposing presence with its members wearing ceremonial uniform and a striking headgear, has traditionally been the leading contingent of the armed forces in the ceremonial parade.

According to officials, India will display its development journey, cultural diversity and military might, including newly-raised units and mock-ups of major weapon systems deployed during Operation Sindoor, at the 77th Republic Day celebrations on Monday.

The overarching theme of the event will be 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.

President Droupadi Murmu will lead the ceremony that will commence at 10:30 and last for approximately 90 minutes.

The phased ‘battle array format’ of the Indian Army at the parade will include an aerial component, featuring a high mobility reconnaissance vehicle and India’s first indigenously designed armoured light specialist vehicle.

Providing aerial support would be the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and its armed version, Rudra, in Prahar formation, demonstrating battlefield shaping, officials said.

The combat elements will then follow with T-90 Bhisma and Main Battle Tank Arjun rolling past the saluting dais with aerial support from Apache AH-64E and Prachand light combat helicopters.

Other mechanised columns will include the BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicle, and the Nag missile system (Tracked) Mk-2.

The other defence assets that will be showcased at the parade include BrahMos, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery gun, Divyastra Battery, and a static display of some drones.

Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) Suryastra, which can carry out surface-to-surface strikes up to 300 km, will be showcased at the parade for the first time, the officials said.

The parade will also see the debut of the Shaktiban Regiment, which has been set up in the artillery, equipped with a drone, counter-drone and loiter munition.

A tri-services tableau showcasing replicas of the major weapon systems deployed by the Indian military during Operation Sindoor last May is expected to be a major attraction at the parade.

The tableau will represent India’s resolve to respond decisively to national security challenges, officials said.

A glass-cased integrated operational centre, depicting Operation Sindoor in brief, will also roll down Kartavya Path.

While the Brahmos missile struck deadly blows to the enemy during the operation, the Akash missile systems and S-400 provided a protective shield.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase its Long Range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Missile (LR-AShM), a hypersonic glide missile capable of engaging static and moving targets, designed to carry various payloads, the officials said.

The aerial fly-past, one of the most eagerly-awaited events at the parade, will witness the participation of 29 aircraft, including 16 fighter jets, four transport aircraft and nine helicopters.

These include Rafale, Su-30 MKI, MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft, complemented by strategic assets – C-130 and C-295, as well as the Indian Navy’s P-8i aircraft.

The formations include Arjan, Vajraang, Varuna and Vijay.

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will be the chief guests at the event.

Shubhanshu Shukla Awarded Ashoka Chakra

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE will remain closed on Jan. 26 to mark Republic Day, according to the NSE’s official holiday list. 

This is the second stock market holiday in January after Jan. 15.

Trading in equity derivatives, securities lending and borrowing (SLB), currency derivatives and electronic gold receipts (EGR) will remain suspended on Jan. 26.

It is also important to note that the stock market remains closed on all Saturdays and Sundays.

Stock Market Holidays In 2026

The stock market has 16 trading holidays in 2026, excluding Saturdays and Sundays, as per the NSE calendar. The remaining holidays in the year are as follows:

• Jan. 26: Republic Day (Monday)
• March 3: Holi (Tuesday)
• March 26: Shri Ram Navami (Thursday)
• March 31: Shri Mahavir Jayanti (Tuesday)
• April 3: Good Friday (Friday)
• April 14: Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Jayanti (Tuesday)
• May 1: Maharashtra Day (Friday)
• May 28: Bakri Id (Thursday)
• June 26: Muharram (Friday)
• Sept. 14: Ganesh Chaturthi (Monday)
• Oct. 2: Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (Friday)
• Oct. 20: Dussehra (Tuesday)
• Nov. 10: Diwali-Balipratipada (Tuesday)
• Nov. 24: Prakash Gurpurb Sri Guru Nanak Dev (Tuesday)
• Dec. 25: Christmas (Friday)

Nov. 8 is a trading holiday as it falls on a Sunday, as well as being the day of Diwali Laxmi Pujan. A special ‘Muhurat Trading’ session will be held on that day. The timings for the Muhurat trading session will be notified by the BSE and NSE at a later date.

ALSO READ: Are Banks Open Or Closed For Republic Day Celebrations?

Regular Stock Market Operations

Trading on the equities segment happens on all days of the week (other than Saturdays and Sundays and holidays declared by the Exchange in advance). The market timings of the equities segment are given below: 

A) Pre-open session 

Order entry and modification Open: 9:00 a.m. 

Order entry and modification Close: 9:08 a.m.

[With random closure in the last one minute. Pre-open order matching starts immediately after the close of pre-open order entry.]

B) Regular trading session

Normal / Limited Physical Market Open: 9:15 a.m. 

Normal / Limited Physical Market Close: 3:30 p.m.

C) Closing Session

The Closing Session is held between 3:40 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

D) Block Deal Session Timings

Morning Window: This window shall operate between 8:45 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Afternoon Window: This window shall operate between 2:05 p.m. and 2:20 p.m.

The Exchange may, however, close the market on days other than the above-scheduled holidays or may open the market on days originally declared as holidays. The Exchange may also extend, advance, or reduce trading hours when it deems fit and necessary.

Republic Day 2026

January 26, 2026, marks India’s 77th Republic Day. It is a momentous occasion that blends historical reverence with a modern vision for the future.

Key Highlights of the 77th Republic Day

• Theme: The central theme for 2026 is “150 Years of Vande Mataram,” celebrating the legacy of the national song as a symbol of India’s cultural continuity and collective consciousness. A secondary theme, “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), highlights the nation’s technological and military progress.

• Chief Guests: In a significant diplomatic gesture, India has invited two leaders from the European Union: Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission) and António Costa (President of the European Council).

• Military Firsts: The parade at Kartavya Path features a new “Battle Array” formation, showcasing military assets in combat-ready sequences rather than just traditional marching.

Why is Republic Day Important?

Republic Day is not just a holiday; it marks the day India transitioned from a British dominion to a Sovereign Democratic Republic.

1. Adoption of the Constitution: While India gained independence in 1947, it was on January 26, 1950, that the Constitution of India came into effect. This document is the “software” of the nation, guaranteeing fundamental rights and establishing the rule of law.

2. The Choice of Date: January 26 was specifically chosen to honor the “Purna Swaraj” (Complete Independence) declaration made by the Indian National Congress in 1930.

3. Sovereignty of the People: It marks the moment when the ultimate power of the nation was formally placed in the hands of its citizens, who elect their own representatives.

4. Unity in Diversity: The annual celebrations, featuring tableaux from various states and cultural performances, serve as a powerful reminder of India’s ability to remain unified despite its immense diversity.

“The Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age.” — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

New Delhi:

The 76th Republic Day ‘At Home’ reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan highlighted the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of Southern India.

According to a release from the Rashtrapati Bhavan, guests at the reception were welcomed by couples from the five southern states – Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala – who greeted them in the mother tongues of their respective states, dressed in traditional regional attire.

The special invitees at the Rashtrapati Bhavan reception included ‘drone didis’, women achievers, agriculturists engaged in natural farming, and divyang achievers.

The release mentioned that the event featured a brief but captivating performance by musical artists from Southern India and an exhibition of the region’s textiles. The high tea menu also celebrated South Indian cuisine, offering a variety of delicious dishes.

The musical performances featured renowned Carnatic musicians known for their mastery of various instruments. Aishwarya Manikarnike, an accomplished Veena artist, Sumanth Manjunath, a renowned Violinist, BC Manjunath, is a versatile percussionist skilled in Mridangam.

Rajkamal N, an eminent Flutist and R. Teja, with expertise in Nadaswaram and Thavil, also added to the musical charm of the event.

G Guru Prasanna, an accomplished percussionist specialising in Khanjira, brought his expertise to the stage, having performed with leading musicians in India and globally. Guru Prasanna is recognized for his exceptional contribution to the art form and has been awarded prestigious titles for his performances.

As per the release, “The ‘At Home’ was more inclusive for the divyangjan, including people to assist them.

The guests included, besides the dignitaries, women achievers, ‘Drone didis’ – rural women trained to use agricultural drones as part of a government programme – start-up founders, natural farming agriculturists, divyang achievers and eminent personalities from various professions.”

The most important centre for artisans practising the age-old craft of traditional lamp making is Nachiarkoil, a historic town in Thanjavur district, the release said.

As per the release, Nachiarkoil Kuthuvilakku is an ornamental brass lamp made of a series of diyas, a handicraft product which is exclusively made by the Kammalar community in Natchiarkoil. The central pillar that crowns at the apex is called the “Prabhai”; it is generally in the form of a hamsa or swan.

In Kerala, a similar lamp, the ‘Nilavilakku’, is commonly found in households. The door frames in Kerala are referred to as ‘Nila’ in Malayalam and ‘Nilai’ in Tamil.

The high tea spread featured an array of South Indian delicacies, including savoury dishes such as Gongura Pickle Stuffed Kuzhi Paniyaram, Andhra Mini Onion Samosa, and Udupi Uddina Vada. For dessert, guests enjoyed traditional sweets like Rawa Kesari, Parippu Pradaman, and Mysore Pak.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, during a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, quipped that he has “Indian DNA”, sparking a burst of laughter among the dignitaries including the President, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Subianto made the remark while talking about his connection with India.

“A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing,” he said, leaving the room in splits.

#WATCH | Delhi | “…A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing…”, says Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi… pic.twitter.com/N7f0EpLamZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

“India and Indonesia have a long, ancient history together. We have civilizational links, even now a very important part of our language comes from Sanskrit. Many names of Indonesia are actually Sanskrit names and in our daily life, the influence of ancient Indian civilization is very strong. I think it’s also part of our genetics,” the Indonesian President added.

Mr Subianto also lauded PM Modi’s leadership and commitment towards alleviating poverty and helping the marginalised while affirming that he learned a lot from him in the few days.

“I am very proud to be here (in India)…I am not a professional politician, I am not a good diplomat, I say what is in my heart. I came here for a few days but learned a lot from Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and commitments…His commitment to alleviating poverty, helping the marginalized, and helping the weakest part of your society, is an inspiration for us,” he said.

Wishing the people of India “prosperity, peace, and greatness”, Mr Subianto said he would like to see Indonesia and India continue to be close partners and friends.

Mr Subianto attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest on Sunday. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several ministers and senior officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation. The event witnessed Indonesia’s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), that embodies discipline and military tradition.

During the Indonesian President’s three-day visit to India, the two countries signed and renewed five Memorandums of Understanding on wide-ranging fields, including health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.

New Delhi:

Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday, during a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, quipped that he has “Indian DNA”, sparking a burst of laughter among the dignitaries including the President, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Subianto made the remark while talking about his connection with India.

“A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing,” he said, leaving the room in splits.

#WATCH | Delhi | “…A few weeks ago I had my genetic sequencing test and my DNA test and they told me that I have Indian DNA. Everybody knows when I hear Indian music, I start dancing…”, says Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto at the banquet hosted by President Droupadi… pic.twitter.com/N7f0EpLamZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

“India and Indonesia have a long, ancient history together. We have civilizational links, even now a very important part of our language comes from Sanskrit. Many names of Indonesia are actually Sanskrit names and in our daily life, the influence of ancient Indian civilization is very strong. I think it’s also part of our genetics,” the Indonesian President added.

Mr Subianto also lauded PM Modi’s leadership and commitment towards alleviating poverty and helping the marginalised while affirming that he learned a lot from him in the few days.

“I am very proud to be here (in India)…I am not a professional politician, I am not a good diplomat, I say what is in my heart. I came here for a few days but learned a lot from Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and commitments…His commitment to alleviating poverty, helping the marginalized, and helping the weakest part of your society, is an inspiration for us,” he said.

Wishing the people of India “prosperity, peace, and greatness”, Mr Subianto said he would like to see Indonesia and India continue to be close partners and friends.

Mr Subianto attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations as a Chief Guest on Sunday. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several ministers and senior officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation. The event witnessed Indonesia’s Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta, a 190-member ensemble band from the Indonesian Military Academy (Akmil), that embodies discipline and military tradition.

During the Indonesian President’s three-day visit to India, the two countries signed and renewed five Memorandums of Understanding on wide-ranging fields, including health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.

A man seen defacing BR Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar

New Delhi:

Delhi witnessed its warmest Republic Day in eight years on Sunday with the maximum temperature settling at 23.7 degrees Celsius, two notches above normal, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Capital had recorded a maximum temperature of 26.1 degrees Celsius on January 26, 2017.

Over the years, Delhi’s temperature on January 26 has fluctuated significantly. While the long-period average (LPA) maximum for the day since 1991 is 22.1 degrees Celsius, recent years have been cooler with the mercury settling at 20.6 degrees Celsius in 2024, 17.3 degrees Celsius in 2023 and 16.4 degrees Celsius in 2022.

The IMD attributed the consistently above-normal maximum temperatures in Delhi to clear skies and dry northwesterly winds.

“Despite a recent western disturbance bringing some rain and snow to parts of northwest India, the maximum temperature in Delhi has remained relatively unaffected due to bright daytime sunshine,” explained Mahesh Palawat, Vice President, Skymet.

However, the clear skies and northwesterly winds have contributed to a dip in night temperatures.

Delhi’s minimum temperature on Sunday was 7.2 degrees Celsius, a notch below normal and a slight drop from 8.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 9.8 degrees Celsius on Friday.

A fresh western disturbance is expected to impact the region starting January 28, leading to a further rise in both maximum and minimum temperatures.

“The disturbance will shift wind patterns, reduce wind speeds and bring cloud cover, which will trap heat at night and cause night temperatures to rise,” said Palawat.

According to the IMD, the minimum temperature could increase to 9-11 degrees Celsius by the weekend while the maximum will hover between 24-26 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) entered the ‘poor’ (216) category from ‘moderate’ (174) on Saturday.

According to the Early Warning System (EWS) for Delhi, AQI levels are likely to remain in the ‘poor’ category on January 27 and 28, and worsen to ‘very poor’ by January 29.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is classified as ‘good’, 51 to 100 as ‘satisfactory’, 101 to 200 as ‘moderate’, 201 to 300 as ‘poor’, 301 to 400 as ‘very poor’, and 401 to 500 as ‘severe’. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

India celebrated its 76th Republic Day focusing on 75 years of enactment of the Constitution and Jan Bhagidari (public movement). The celebrations witnessed a blend of India’s rich cultural diversity, unity, equality, development and military prowess. Apart from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is the chief guest, 10,000 special guests were in attendance. These guests are called the architects of ‘Swarnim Bharat’ (golden India). They include the best performers in various fields and those who have made the best use of the schemes of the Government.

31 tableaux from 16 state governments and union territories, central ministries, tri-services and veterans participated in the celebrations. They highlighted this year’s theme of ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.’

The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial and laying a wreath in respect to the nation’s heroes.

President Droupadi Murmu along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived at the Kartavya Path in the ‘traditional buggy’. She then unfurled the national flag.

Here are some notable tableaux showcasing ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’

Madhya Pradesh’s tableau highlighted the return of cheetahs.

Late industrialist Ratan Tata was at the centre of the tableau of Jharkhand state.

With depictions of ‘Samudra Manthan’, ‘Amrit Kalash’ and holy men bathing on the banks of Sangam, the Republic Day tableau of Uttar Pradesh celebrated the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

Andhra Pradesh’s tableau focused on “Etikoppaka wooden toys”, a 400-year-old craft tradition celebrated for its eco-friendly, seamless, vibrant and toxin-free nature.

Veterans’ Tableau carried a theme of ‘Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar’, paying tribute to the unwavering spirit of veterans, a symbol of discipline, resilience, and unyielding dedication. Veteran women officers from all three services – Lieutenant Colonel Ravinderjeet Randhawa, Lieutenant Commander Mani Agarwal, and Flight Lieutenant Ruchi Saha, representing Nari Shakti and the role of women in shaping the armed forces.

The Department of Financial Services tableau showcased India’s remarkable journey in financial evolution from money lenders to UPI.

The national capital Delhi’s tableau focused on quality education for youth.

Karnataka’s tableau carried a theme of ‘Lakkundi: Cradle of Stone craft’.

Naval Tableau depicted a strong ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Navy capable of protecting India’s maritime interests.

Central Public Works Department’s flower tableau showcasing 75 Years of the Constitution of India.

Kolkata:

Indian Army’s robotic dogs ‘MULE’ (Multi Utility Legged Equipment) stole the show at the Republic Day parade in Kolkata on Sunday. Named ‘Sanjay’, the ‘MULE’ is an all-weather ground robot dog that can climb stairs, steep hills, and cross hurdles.

According to the Indian Army, it is designed for several operations, including perimeter security, asset protection, and chemical-biological-nuclear warfare scenarios. They can also be used for explosives detection and disposal, intelligence, and surveillance.

#WATCH | West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee takes part in #RepublicDay2025 celebrations at Kolkata.

(Source: Mamata Banerjee Social Media) pic.twitter.com/1KUWOvFFvL

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2025

The robotic dogs can carry a payload of 15 kgs and can be operated in extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 55 degrees Celsius.

The Indian Army has so far inducted 100 robotic dogs in various units, officials said.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose unfurled the national flag at Red Road in Kolkata today morning. This was followed by a parade – led by Naib Subedar Rajneesh.

Contingents of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, West Bengal Police, Kolkata Police, Rapid Action Force, and Disaster Management Group took part in the parade. Apart from these, students from various schools also participated in the ceremony and performed cultural dances.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the event.

West Bengal tableau at Republic Day parade

West Bengal’s Republic Day tableau at the Kartavya Path in Delhi highlighted the state’s ‘Lakshmir Bhandar’ scheme which provides a guaranteed monthly income to women. It also featured the state’s ‘Lok Prasar Prakalpa’ initiative showcasing its rich cultural heritage, architectural excellence, and artistic traditions.

The tableau’s front featured a ‘Durga’ idol, with Chhau performers accompanying the tableau.

The mega Republic Day parade in the national capital was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other high-level dignitaries. Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto attended the event as a chief guest.

The IAF choppers were flying in a ‘dhwaj formation’.