Republic Day 2026: Timings, restrictions, parade order, animals to look out for

New Delhi: Colourful ceremonies showcasing India’s military might and cultural heritage form the centrepiece of the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, with the Ministry of Defence overseeing the arrangements. The celebrations will kick off at 9.30 am, with the Prime Minister and the service chiefs laying floral wreaths at the National War Memorial. The Prime Minister will then proceed to the main dais at Kartavya Path. This will be followed by the arrival of the President of India, who will be escorted to the venue by the Presidential Bodyguards. The chief guest of this year’s parade - Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, president of the European Council -  will also arrive along with the President.

As the national anthem is played, the President of India will unfurl the national flag. This will be followed by the presentation of the country’s highest military honours by the President. The President will then receive the salute during the march past and the parade. The parade formation and proceedings are decided by the Parade Commander, a responsibility entrusted to the General Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area of the Indian Army. This year, the role will be performed by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar. Major General Sumit Mehta will serve as the Second-in-Command of the parade.

The parade order expected this year is as follows:
1) Following the parade command, a shower of flower petals will be carried out from helicopters as the parade music begins.
2) The Parade Commander and the Parade Second-in-Command will lead the march, followed by the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra award recipients.
3) A European Union contingent will follow in a pair of jeeps
4) Horse-mounted regiment of the Indian Army

5) The Army’s sole horse-mounted r
6) High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle (HMRV).
7) Dhruv and Rudra helicopters in the skies.
8) The Arm's combat equipment.
9) Drone Shakti (vulture drones used for advanced drone surveillance)
10) Animal contingent.

11) Bands representing various contingents.
12) Indian Navy:
Naval Brass Band, marching contingent and tableau.
13) Indian Air Force:
Band, marching contingent and tableau.
14) DRDO:
Defence Research and Development Organisation tableaux.
15) Paramilitary Forces:
Marching and bands of varios para-military wings  
National Cadet Corps (NCC):
Marching contingent and band.
16) States and Union Territories:
Tableaux representing various States and Union Territories will be accompanied by cultural performances by students, showcasing India’s diverse traditions. Kerala's 'Water Metro' float will be part of this segment. Know more about the float here: 
17) The parade will culminate with a flypast by the Indian Air Force across the skies.

Spotlight on this year’s parade
This year, the 61st Cavalry will take part in the parade wearing battle gear, the combat attire the regiment wears during wartime, instead of their traditional ceremonial uniforms, comprising sword and shield. As in the previous year, the regiment will be led by Captain Aman Kumar, 26, son of Parade Commander Lieutenant General Bhavanish Kumar. The 61st Cavalry remains the world’s only surviving horse-mounted regiment.

For the first time, the parade will feature the Shakthiban Regiment and the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion of the Indian Army. Advanced military hardware, including drones, counter-drone systems and loitering munitions, will be on display. As part of the Ministry of Defence’s contingent, around 60,000 personnel will participate in the parade.

 Weapons and systems on display will include the BrahMos missile, Akash missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and the Dhanush howitzer, among others. The 90-minute-long parade will feature 18 marching contingents and 13 bands.

Animals to look out for
This year’s parade will also feature a remarkable array of animals, including Sanskar Ponies ( small horses from the Sanskar ranges of the Himalayas), Bactrian camels with a single hump ( from the Bactrian region of the Himalayas) and sixteen military dogs. Of these dogs, 10 are Indian breeds, including Mudhol Hounds, Rampur Hounds, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam.

What to keep in mind tomorrow
This year, the seats have been named after rivers, with arrangements along the north and south sides of Kartavya Path. On the south side, seats bear the names of rivers such as Beas, Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghaghara, Godavari, and Indus. Spectators seated here are advised to use the Udyog Bhawan Metro Station to access the venue.

On the north side, seats are named after rivers, including Cauvery, Kosi, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada, Pennar, Periyar, Ravi, Son, Sutlej, Teesta, Vaigai, and Yamuna. Spectators in this area should use the Central Secretariat Metro Station to reach their seats.

Parking 
A total of 22 parking locations have been set up, with the capacity to accommodate 8,000 vehicles. Arrangements have been made for 77,000 spectators to watch the parade. Audiences are encouraged to use metro services wherever possible. Metro services will commence from 3 am, and pass holders for the Republic Day Parade can travel free of charge.

Traffic restrictions
Traffic control measures will be in effect across the city. From 10.15 am until the conclusion of the parade, Kartavya Path, from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, will be closed to all vehicular traffic.