As India gears up for its 77th Republic Day, the grand spectacle at Kartavya Path promises to be more historic than ever. This year’s celebration centres on the evocative theme of Vande Mataram, which honours the 150th anniversary of our national song, alongside the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. From the first of its kind Army Animal Contingent to the presence of top European Union leaders as chief guests, the 2026 Republic Day parade promises to be a masterclass in diplomacy and tradition. So, whether you are attending the event in person or watching from home, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Ticket categories for the grand stage
The Republic Day parade tickets are available in two denominations, which consist of those priced at Rs 20 and Rs 100, respectively.
1. The premier experience
Republic Day parade tickets for a high-octane and front-row experience are being sold at Rs 100. These seats are positioned in the prime enclosures, typically closest to the Saluting Dais, where the President of India and the European Union Chief Guests will be seated.
This view offers you an unmatched, face-to-face experience of the mechanised columns and the intricate details of the state tableaux. If you wish to see the sharp ‘Eyes Right’ salute of the marching contingents from just a few meters away, this is your ticket.
2. The patriot experience
Being sold at the price of Rs 20, these tickets cover the larger enclosures along the length of the Kartavya Path. While you are further from the main dais, you are in the perfect spot for the Flypast. This year, the aerial display is being moved to the middle of the Republic Day parade for better visibility. From these seats, the roar of the Rafales and the Vande Mataram-themed formations will feel like they are happening right above your head. It's the best place to soak in the collective roar of the crowd.
The main events, and what your tickets unlock
1. The Republic Day parade (January 26, 2026)
The main act is a 90-minute masterclass in discipline. Look out for the Army Animal Contingent, which is the 2026 debut featuring Bactrian camels from Ladakh and Zaskar Ponies from Siachen. The theme of this event includes everything from music to the visuals that celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. Expect a symphony of indigenous tech and ancient heritage.
2. Beating Retreat (January 28, 2026)
With the tickets being sold at a price of Rs 20 for this event, this one is a hidden gem for photographers. You get the full musical experience, which includes everything from the trumpet fanfares to the massed bands, without the heavy security restrictions of the main day. This event makes up for the parade’s soulful echo before the final curtain.
3. The Beating Retreat (January 29, 2026)
The Republic Day parade tickets for this event are being sold at Rs 100. As the sun sets behind the Raisina Hill, the North and South Blocks light up in a gold and saffron glow. Your ticket grants you a seat at Vijay Chowk for the formal conclusion of the festivities. It is widely considered to be the most poetic military ceremony in the world.
How to secure your seat
Don't wait for the last minute. The 26th Jan parade tickets are being released daily at 9:00 am, and vanish faster than a fighter jet!
Head to the portal- Visit the official Ministry of Defence invitation site at aamantran.mod.gov.in.
Register your identity- Sign up using your mobile number and keep your Aadhar, PAN or Passport handy. You will need to upload a clear scan.
Choose your experience- Select the event, whether you want to opt for the parade or the Beating Retreat, and then your preferred seating enclosure. You can book up to 10 tickets per mobile number.
Confirm and carry- Once the payment is done, download your digital ticket. It is crucial for you to carry the original ID used during booking to the venue for entry.
Pro traveller tip
If you prefer the old school way, offline counters are open at Sena Bhawan and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station until January 14, 2026. However, with the Vande Mataram theme drawing record crowds this year, online booking makes for the safest bet to avoid long queues in the Delhi chill.
Timings
The celebration is all set to kick off with a surge of energy on January 26, 2026. The grand Republic Day parade timing officially commences at 10:30 am at the Kartavya Path.
After three days of vibrant festivities, the energy shifts to a more soulful note on January 28, 2026, with the Full Dress Rehearsal of the Beating Retreat, which typically starts as the sun begins to dip around 3:30 pm. Thereafter, the grand finale, which features the Beating Retreat Ceremony on January 29, 2026, begins at 5:00 pm at Vijay Chowk. It is a breathtaking experience where the military bands perform until sunset, culminating in the simultaneous illumination of the Raisina Hill buildings at approximately 6:00 pm, officially marking the end of the Republic Day celebration.
A historic European presence by the chief guests at Republic Day parade 2026
In a landmark diplomatic move, India has invited the top leadership of the European Union as chief guests for the 77th Republic Day parade. For the first time, two major EU figures will share the dais, that being, Ursua von der Leyen, who is the President of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council. This joint invitation coincides with the recognition of the EU as a unified strategic partner.