Republic Day Parade 2025: Timing and schedule; where to watch, how to book tickets online, who's the chief guest & more

Republic Day Parade 2025: India is all set to celebrate its 76th Republic Day on Sunday, January 26. The Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 January 1950.

Although India gained independence from colonial rule in 1947, the Constitution of India did not come into effect until 26 January 1950. With the adoption of the Constitution, India declared itself a sovereign, democratic, and republican state.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in its release that this Republic Day Parade 2025 will uniquely blend India’s cultural diversity and military prowess, focusing on 75 years of enacting the constitution and Jan Bhagidari.

On 26 January 2025, the Republic Day Parade will start in the morning, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

President Droupadi Murmu will arrive at Kartavya Path in a ceremonial buggy and take the salute during a ceremonial march past, which will include units from the Armed Forces, Para Military Forces, Auxiliary Civil Forces, NCC, and NSS.

As India gears up to celebrate its 76th Republic Day, check out the details of the parade here:

Republic Day Parade Chief Guest

President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto will be the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebration. 

Extending a warm welcome to Subianto and the Indonesian delegation to India, PM Modi said it was a matter of pride for India to have him as the Chief Guest for our Republic Day. “We are all eager to witness the Indonesian marching squad for the very first time at the event,” he said.

Subianto said Indonesia considers India a “very great friend” and expressed his commitment to promoting closer cooperation and closer partnership with India.

The political relationship between the two countries was solidified during their shared struggles for independence. Both countries have supported the independence movements of Asian and African nations, exemplified by their roles in the Bandung Conference and the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement.

What is the controversy surrounding India's Republic Day Parade Chief Guest, who once faced US ban?

Before taking over as Indonesian President in 2024, Prabowo Subianto was accused of human rights violations, which he denied multiple times.

Subianto, born to one of Indonesia's most powerful families, had faced a ban from travelling to the United States over these allegations. He was accused of committing abuses against the people of East Timor during 1980-90, reported Associated Press earlier.

Subianto, who had earlier scheduled a visit to India's neighbour Pakistan following his India trip, has now cancelled it amid reports that India expressed formal displeasure over his plans to combine visits to New Delhi and Islamabad.

He will now be visiting Malaysia instead, said media reports. 

76th Republic Day parade: Timings and schedule

The main parade in New Delhi will commence at 10:30 AM on Sunday at Vijay Chowk, proceed along Kartavya Path, pass India Gate, and conclude at the Red Fort.

The ceremony will conclude with a flypast by 47 aircraft, demonstrating India's aerial capabilities.

76th Republic Day parade: When and where to watch

• The Republic Day celebrations will be widely broadcast and streamed online. Those tuning in from their TV sets can catch the live telecast of the parade on Doordarshan, the official broadcaster.
• Coverage begins at around 9:00 AM with the flag-hoisting ceremony by the President of India.
• Online viewers can livestream the event on Doordarshan National’s official YouTube channel.

• Prasar Bharati Live, the official government broadcast site, Disney+ Hotstar and other private news channels will also stream the event on their websites and apps.

Republic Day Parade tickets: How to book tickets online

Those looking forward to attending the Republic Day parade in person must purchase tickets. 

Republic day parade tickets online booking 2025 can be done via the Amantran Portal of the Ministry of Defence.

Republic Day Parade tickets: How to book tickets offline

To book Republic Day Parade tickets offline, interested viewers can visit designated counters in New Delhi, including Sena Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Jantar Mantar, Pragati Maidan, and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.

76th Republic Day parade: Theme

The parade's theme is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), celebrating 75 years since the enactment of the Indian Constitution.

76th Republic Day parade: Participants

The Republic Day event will feature 31 tableaux from various States, Union Territories, and Central Government Ministries/Departments, showcasing India's cultural diversity and achievements.

A 160-member marching contingent and a 190-member band from Indonesia will also participate alongside Indian Armed Forces contingents.

Govt school band teams to perform

Three government school band teams from Jharkhand, Sikkim, and Karnataka are set to perform in the Republic Day Parade for the first time on 26 January 2025.

(This copy has been updated to add more information)