Army’s Battle Array Display To Bhairav Debut: First R-Day Parade Post Op Sindoor To Celebrate 150 Years Vande Mataram
Army will be represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry & Battle Array Formation (first time), Seven marching contingents. Image courtesy: RNA
Republic Day Parade this year is going to be every big unique and different. From the first ever Battle Array display to Bhairav commandos debut, the 77th Republic Day parada will not just be a ceremonial march past, but a living story of resolve, remembrance and rising power.
The first Republic Day celebrations after Operation Sindoor, the 2026 parade is set to unfold as a carefully choreographed narrative that blends 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, hard military lessons from the battlefield, and the confidence of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which the government has been pushing on for so long now.
From thunderous missile systems to soulful cultural performances, from Europe’s top leadership on the dais to ordinary citizens honoured in the stands, Kartavya Path next week on January 26 will mirror India’s journey which is proud of its past, tested in conflict, and certainly bold about its future.
First Republic Day celebration after Operation Sindoor
Republic Day parade 2026 will be the first after India’s successful retaliatory action – Operation Sindoor – conducted in May 2025, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025. The military display this year is also expected to underline Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated emphasis on indigenous weapons and drones that proved their combat credibility during the operation.
Missile systems such as BrahMos and Akash, which the Prime Minister has often cited as symbols of India’s technological confidence, will feature prominently. “Just hearing the name BrahMos makes many people anxious,” PM Modi had remarked recently. Around 10,000 people from all walks of the society have been invited to witness the parade as Special Guests this year.
Republic Day Parade 2026 theme: 150 years of Vande Mataram
Perhaps the most striking thing at this year’s Republic Day celebrations is the theme – 150 years of Vande Mataram. A series of paintings created by Tejendra Kumar Mitra in 1923, illustrating the verses of ‘Vande Mataram’ and published in the ‘Bande Mataram Album’ (1923), will be displayed as view-cutters along Kartavya Path.
Moreover, a banner depicting ‘वंदेमातरम्’ will be unveiled along with the release of rubber balloons at the conclusion of the parade. In addition to that, the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and other CAPFs will organise pan-India band performances on the theme from January 19 to 26, 2026.
Indian Army’s phased battle array on display
For the first time, the Indian Army will roll down Kartavya Path in a “phased battle array formation”, transforming the ceremonial boulevard into a simulated battlefield. The Army’s representation would include Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, seven marching contingents, including Rajput, Assam, JAK LI, Artillery and Ladakh Scouts, animal contingents featuring Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels and military dogs.
Republic Day Parade 2025: Spotlight on Bhairav battalion’s debut
One of the most anticipated moments will be the Republic Day debut of the Bhairav Light Commando Battalion, a newly raised force designed to bridge the gap between infantry and special forces. Raised in October 2025, the Bhairav battalion represents the Army’s shift toward agile, high-impact combat units suited for modern warfare.
Its presence adds a new tactical layer to this year’s celebrations, following its first public appearance at the Army Day Parade in Jaipur.
“A total of Seven marching contingents of the Army, including animal contingent comprising of Zansker ponies, Bacterian camel and dogs with Handlers Contingent, SCOUTS Contingent, RAJPUT Contingent, ASSAM Contingent, JAK LI Contingent, ARTY Contingent, BHAIRAV Contingent in ‘Uncha Kadam taal’ and Ladakh Scouts will march post the saluting dais,” the Ministry of Defence said.
Missiles, machines and Make in India muscle
The mechanised columns promise a powerful showcase of India’s defence manufacturing strength. Among the key platforms on display will be T-90 and Arjun Main Battle Tanks; BMP-II Infantry Combat Vehicles; NAMIS-II Nag Missile System; ATAGS and Dhanush artillery guns; BrahMos, Akash and MRSAM missile systems; High Mobility Recce Vehicles, robotic mules and UGVs; Drone Shakti and Glacier ATVs.
While the LCA Tejas will not feature in the parade this year, Defence Secretary RK Singh clarified that there is “no particular reason” for its absence, noting that only select platforms are showcased annually.
Republic Day 2025 fly past
If the ground display signals strength, the skies will seal the message. A grand flypast by 29 aircraft will feature a mix of fighters, surveillance planes, helicopters and transport aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, P8i, C-295, Mig-29, Apache and Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), ALH Dhruv and Mi-17 helicopters, C-130 and C-295 transport aircraft in different formations.
Vande Mataram at 150: Where culture meets the march
Beyond steel and strategy, the parade carries a softer, deeply emotional thread. Marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, nearly 2,500 artists will perform a grand cultural presentation celebrating India’s freedom struggle, unity and diversity. Thirty vibrant tableaux from states, Union Territories and central ministries will roll past the saluting dais.
At the same time, the celebrations will honour everyday nation-builders.
Republic Day 2026 chief guests: A key focus on Europe
Adding a strong geopolitical layer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa will be the Chief Guests, underscoring India’s deepening strategic engagement with Europe. As the Ministry of Defence noted, this Republic Day is as much about people as it is about power.
