New Delhi, January 17: As part of the tradition surrounding Republic Day celebrations, Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit 1) will be closed to the general public from January 21 to 29, 2026. This temporary closure is in preparation for the upcoming Republic Day Parade and the Beating Retreat ceremony.
An official statement from the President’s Secretariat confirmed the closure of Circuit 1, which typically offers visitors a tour of the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s main building.
“Due to the Republic Day Parade and Beating Retreat Ceremony, visits to Rashtrapati Bhavan (Circuit-1) will remain closed for the general public from January 21 to 29, 2026,” the statement read.
The Republic Day Parade is scheduled to take place along Kartavya Path, with the Beating Retreat ceremony marking the conclusion of Republic Day celebrations on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, located near Rashtrapati Bhavan.
This year, the central theme of the Republic Day celebrations will be “150 Years of Vande Mataram.” The theme will be highlighted through various visuals, tableaux, music, decorations, and cultural performances. A series of paintings by Tejendra Kumar Mitra, created in 1923, will showcase the verses of “Vande Mataram” along Kartavya Path. At the end of the parade, a large banner reading “वंदेमातरम्” will be unveiled, followed by the release of rubber balloons.
From January 19 to 26, pan-India performances by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and other CAPFs will feature the “Vande Mataram” theme. These performances include a special show at Bankim Bhawan in West Bengal, the birthplace of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the composer of “Vande Mataram.” Floral decorations, invitation cards, and audio-visual presentations at Kartavya Path will also reflect the theme.
First, this year’s Republic Day celebrations will feature a phased battle array display. The Indian Army will showcase a phased battle array format, accompanied by a mounted column of 61 Cavalry and seven marching contingents. The mechanized columns will include advanced platforms like T-90 tanks, Arjun main battle tanks, BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, ATAGS and Dhanush artillery systems, BrahMos, Akash, and MRSAM missile systems, drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and specialized all-terrain platforms.
Additionally, animal contingents, including Zanskar ponies, Bactrian camels, and dogs with handlers, will be part of the parade. A total of 18 marching contingents and 13 military bands will participate in the event. The flypast, the grand finale of the parade, will feature 29 aircraft, including Rafale, Su-30, MiG-29, Apache, LCH, ALH, Mi-17, P-8I, and C-295, flying in multiple formations. A special veterans’ tableau by the Indian Air Force will also be a key highlight, honoring their contributions to nation-building.
