New Delhi, Jan 26: Every year, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives for the Republic Day celebrations, people not only watch the parade but also notice what he is wearing. Over time, his outfits, especially his choice of headgear have become a part of the day’s visual memory, and this year was no different.

As India observed its 77th Republic Day on Monday, PM Modi arrived at the National War Memorial in New Delhi in his own signature style, wearing a striking traditional outfit.

For Republic Day 2026, PM Modi chose a richly colored Rajasthani-style safa, also known as a “pagdi,” with shades of deep red, mustard yellow, and green, tied high with a fan-like crest. With the turban, he paired a light sky-blue Nehru jacket over a dark navy kurta. Completing the look were white churidar-style trousers, and he paired the attire with traditional black formal shoes.

Accompanying the PM was Present alongside the PM were Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal APS Singh, and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi.

Every year, PM Modi’s Republic Day outfit gets people talking, with his turbans always drawing the most attention. Over the years, he has worn turbans and caps from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and other states, each carrying cultural meaning.

For the 2025 Republic Day, PM Modi chose a striking multi-colored turban featuring shades of red and yellow. He paired it with a brown bandhgala coat with full sleeves, accessorized by a multi-colored pocket square and churidar pants.

In 2024, for the 75th Republic Day, he wore a multi-colored turban featuring a vibrant yellow hue, paired with a white kurta and a brown Nehru jacket. This outfit, with its traditional Rajasthani Bandhini print, was a representation of his love for the country.

For the 74th Republic Day, PM Modi donned a multi-colored Rajasthani turban symbolizing India’s diversity.

For the year 2022, celebrating the 73rd Republic Day, the Prime Minister opted for a traditional cap from Uttarakhand, embellished with a Brahmakamal-inspired brooch, a tribute to the state flower of Uttarakhand.

For the year 2021, PM Modi wore a special Jamnagar turban, gifted to him by the royal family of Jamnagar, Gujarat, accompanied by a grey jacket, kurta, and pyjama.

For the 71st Republic Day, he sported a bright saffron-colored printed turban, featuring a blend of yellow hues in an intricate pattern.

On the occasion of the 70th Republic Day, the Prime Minister wore a yellow turban with a red tail, accented with green and subtle golden lines, completing the look with a sleeveless bandhgala jacket and white kurta.

Republic Day, observed annually on January 26, marks the day India adopted its Constitution in 1950, officially becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic. The day holds immense historical significance as it represents the culmination of India’s long struggle for independence and the establishment of constitutional governance based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.

New Delhi, Jan 26: The Bhairav light commando battalion, raised in October 2025, marked its first public appearance during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, reflecting the Indian Army’s evolving combat doctrine and future-ready force structure.

Alongside this debut, the Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS) ‘Suryastra’ was also showcased for the first time at the ceremonial parade.

The 4 BHAIRAV Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment has been raised to bridge the operational gap between conventional infantry units and special forces, strengthening India’s capability for swift, agile and high-intensity combat missions.

At the same time, Suryastra was presented as India’s first indigenous universal multi-calibre long-range rocket launcher system, engineered to deliver precision surface-to-surface strikes at extended ranges of 150 kilometres and 300 kilometres.

Unlike traditional rocket artillery platforms, Suryastra is designed as a universal launcher capable of integrating multiple rocket and missile variants on a single platform, offering enhanced operational flexibility and adaptability in diverse combat scenarios.

The induction and display of the Suryastra rocket system highlighted a significant leap in the modernisation of India’s rocket artillery capabilities, underscoring the focus on indigenous development and long-range precision firepower.

A mixed scouts contingent, wearing heavy thermal combat gear, also made its maiden appearance at the Republic Day parade. Led by Lieutenant Amit Choudhary of the 2 Arunachal Scouts, the contingent marched down Kartavya Path, symbolising India’s elite infantry units specialised in high-altitude surveillance and frontier reconnaissance roles.

The mounted contingent of the 61 Cavalry, clad in battle gear, along with key Army assets and indigenous platforms, accompanied by personnel, also rolled down Kartavya Path for the first time in a ‘phased battle array formation’.

Under this phased battle array concept, forces advanced along the ceremonial boulevard in a manner replicating real battlefield movement, beginning with reconnaissance elements and followed by logistics units and personnel accompanying combat platforms, all seen in operational battle gear.

The 61 Cavalry, known for traditionally leading the armed forces’ parade each year in ceremonial uniform and distinctive headgear, appeared this time in combat attire, marking a departure from tradition and reinforcing the operational theme of the parade.

The Republic Day celebrations commenced with a cultural performance by 100 artists, setting the tone for the parade around the theme “Vishwaguru Bharat – Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the celebrations by unfurling the National Flag and leading the nation in marking the historic occasion.

The unfurling of the Tricolour was followed by the playing of the National Anthem and a thunderous 21-gun salute, executed using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen witnessed the celebrations as Chief Guests, adding global significance to the Republic Day event.

New Delhi, Jan 26: Artefacts and culture of Jammu and Kashmir came alive on the Kartavya Path during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi.

Celebrating the splendour of traditional arts, the tableau of the Union territory displayed the gleaming samavaar with intricate metal engraving, exquisitely woven Kani shawls rich with symbolic patterns, hand-knotted carpets rising from looms in geometric harmony and carved walnut-wood artefacts.

Papier mache creations glowed with vibrant colours, while Pahari miniature paintings, especially the expressive Basohli style, reflected refined aesthetics shaped by centuries of devotion. The crafts stood as tributes to the artisans, whose skill and patience sustain living traditions.

Saffron blossoms were also shown on the tableau, purple flowers and crimson strands symbolising a timeless identity rooted in land, labour, and heritage.

The display was accompanied by a harmonious fusion of rabab, santoor and flute, creating a resonant soundscape, while performers in vibrant attire brought the space alive through folk dances.

The graceful Rouf, the powerful Kud, and the spirited traditions of Pahari, Bhadarwahi, and Gojri dances reflect the cultural diversity, joy, and collective spirit of the region.