Republic Day 2025 marks the 76th anniversary of India’s transition to a republic with the adoption of its Constitution on January 26, 1950. The day is celebrated with grand parades, showcasing India’s military strength, cultural heritage, and national unity. This year’s theme, “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat or Vikas,” highlights the country’s progress while honoring its rich cultural history. The celebrations will be graced by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the strengthening of India-Indonesia relations.

Here, we provide a detailed overview of the Republic Day 2025 celebration, covering the theme of the year, venue of celebration, the invited chief guest and also highlight key aspects of the event, such as the Republic Day parade, military displays, and cultural tableaux representing India’s diversity.

What is Republic Day?

Republic day holds historical importance signifying the end of colonial rule in India and the beginning of self-governance. On 26 January 1950 the Government of India Act 1935, was replaced by the Indian Constitution, which was drafted by the drafting committee. It took the committee 2 years 11 months and 17 days to frame the Constitution, reflecting India’s commitment to democratic values, justice, liberty, and equality for all its citizens.  Since then, 26th January has been observed every year as Republic Day,  a day marked by celebrations in New Delhi showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity, heritage, and military strength.

Republic Day 2025

India will be celebrating its 76th year as a republic on 26 January 2025.  The celebrations will include a parade in New Delhi, showcasing India’s cultural diversity, military strength and achievements. The event features tableaux representing different states, armed forces marching contingents, and performances by school children, displaying unity in diversity. Various cultural programs, both in the capital and across the country also take place to honor India’s history, constitution, and democratic values.

First Republic Day of India

The first Republic Day was celebrated on January 26, 1950, when the Indian Constitution came into effect. This day marked the culmination of India’s long struggle for independence and the establishment of a democratic republic. The first Republic Day was an event of great significance, as it symbolized the birth of a new India, no longer under British rule.

The country’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad took the salute at the first Republic Day ceremony, hoisted the national flag, and the day was celebrated with a grand ceremony in New Delhi. Since then, Republic Day has been observed every year, with a parade, flag-hoisting ceremony, and various cultural programs.

Why was 26 January chosen for adopting the constitution?

Although the Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, it came into force after 2 months on 26 January 1950. 26th January was chosen as Republic Day in India as it marks the day in 1930 when Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule) as the goal for the nation, making it a symbolic connection to India’s fight for independence.

Republic Day 2025 Venue

Republic Day 2025 Celebration is held at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, starting from 10:00 AM. The parade starts from Rashtrapati Bhavan and proceeds towards India Gate and from there the parade culminates at the Red Fort.

The highlights of the event include:

• Military parade: Contingents from the Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Cultural Tableaux: Highlight the diversity of India’s traditions and achievements.
• Flypast: Tricolor formation by the Indian Army

Republic Day 2025 Theme

Each year the government of India gives a theme to highlight certain aspects of India’s socio-economic progress, cultural heritage, or national unity. The theme for Republic Day 2025 is the theme for Republic Day 2025 is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” meaning “Golden India: Heritage and Development.”

This theme highlights the nation’s rich cultural heritage (Virasat) while emphasizing its ongoing progress and development (Vikas). It reflects India’s journey of growth, innovation, and modernization, while also honoring its historical roots, traditions, and values.

Republic Day 2025 Chief Guest

The President of India traditionally invites a foreign dignitary to be the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. The chief guest is usually a head of state or government from another country. However, the invitation for the chief guest often depends on diplomatic relations and the availability of the invited leader. 

Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia’s President, will be the chief guest in the 2025 Republic Day celebration. Indonesia is a member of ASEAN and shares historical and cultural bonds with India. The visit highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries in various areas, including trade, security, and cultural exchange.

Republic Day 2025 Online Parade Tickets Booking 2025

The government makes available a limited number of tickets for citizens to watch the parade live. These ticket prices vary from 100 for reserved and 20 for unreserved seats. Republic Day 2025 parade tickets are no longer available for purchase. The time window for purchasing parade tickets was from January 2 to January 11. However, you can still watch the full dress rehearsal held on 23rd January 2025, by purchasing tickets for the same, which are available from January 13 to January 17.

What is the Republic Day Tableau?

One of the main attractions in the Republic Day ceremony is the visual representation of the tableau. Various state and union territories present tableaus during the Republic day Parade that are designed and constructed depicting a specific theme or important historical event, featuring displays that represent traditional arts, crafts, the diverse cultures, traditions, and achievements of India.

Various ministries and government organizations also present tableaux, which highlights national achievements, such as advancements in science, technology, and social welfare.

Republic Day 2025 How Many Years

Republic Day 2025 will mark the 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. The 76th Republic Day celebrations will likely include events and programs across the country to reflect on the progress made in the last 76 years, as well as the values enshrined in the Constitution. 

Republic Day FAQs?

Q1. What is the Republic Day tableau?

Answer: During the Republic Day Parade different states, government ministries and organizations design and represent their tableau, each representing a specific theme, historical events, national development. These tableaux are a significant part of the parade, offering a glimpse of India’s rich history and progress, and are admired for their creativity, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

Q2. Why is 26 January celebrated as Republic Day?

Answer: Although the Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, it came into effect on  26 January 1950. 26th January was chosen as Republic Day in India as it marks the day in 1930 when Indian National Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete self-rule) as the goal for the nation, making it a symbolic connection to India’s fight for independence.

Q3. Which Republic Day is in 2025?

Answer: Republic Day in 2025 will mark the 76th Republic Day of India. Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 each year to honor the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950.

Q4. Who is the Chief Guest for Republic Day 2025?

Answer: Republic Day 2025 Chief Guest will be H.E. Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia. He will be attending India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations as part of a state visit to New Delhi on January 25-26, 2025.

Q5. What is the significance of the Republic Day Parade?

Answer: The Republic Day Parade is a showcase of India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and achievements. It includes marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces, cultural tableaux from various states, and performances that highlight India’s progress and unity.