Tickets for India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations have officially gone on sale, opening the doors for citizens to witness one of the country’s most significant national events up close. The announcement by the Ministry of Defence marks the beginning of public access to the grand parade scheduled for January 26 along Kartavya Path, as well as the accompanying ceremonial events that follow later in the week.

This year’s Republic Day celebrations carry added significance. For the first time in the parade’s long history, the Indian Army will present a dedicated animal contingent, introducing a unique visual and operational dimension to the display of military capability and tradition. With tickets priced affordably and both online and offline booking options available, the government aims to encourage wide public participation in the national celebrations.

Ticket Sales Open with Affordable Pricing for Citizens

The Ministry of Defence has opened ticket bookings for the Republic Day Parade and related ceremonies from Sunday, with sales continuing until January 14 or until daily quotas are exhausted. Tickets for the main Republic Day Parade on January 26 are priced at ₹20 and ₹100, ensuring that people from diverse economic backgrounds can attend. The Beating Retreat Full Dress Rehearsal scheduled for January 28 is available at ₹20, while tickets for the main Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 are priced at ₹100.

Sales begin daily at 9 am and are available through both digital and physical channels. Online bookings can be made through the government’s Aamantran portal, while offline tickets are being sold at designated counters across Delhi. These counters are located at Sena Bhawan near Gate 5, Shastri Bhawan near Gate 3, Jantar Mantar’s main gate, the Parliament House reception, Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, and Kashmere Gate Metro Station. Offline counters operate between 10 am and 1 pm, and again from 2 pm to 5 pm, throughout the sales period.

Authorities have reiterated that original photo identification is mandatory for ticket purchase and entry. Accepted documents include Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Passport, and other government-issued photo IDs. This requirement applies uniformly across the Republic Day Parade and both Beating Retreat events.

Historic Animal Contingent to Debut on Kartavya Path

The highlight of the 2026 Republic Day Parade will be the first-ever appearance of an animal contingent from the Indian Army, a move that blends tradition with modern operational relevance. The contingent has been curated by the Remount and Veterinary Corps and will march along Kartavya Path, offering spectators a rare glimpse into the Army’s specialised animal units.

The contingent will feature two Bactrian camels, four Zanskar ponies, four trained raptors, and 16 military dogs. The Bactrian camels, known for their distinctive double humps, were recently inducted for deployment in Ladakh’s cold desert regions. Capable of carrying loads of up to 250 kilograms at altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet, these camels have undergone nearly a decade of trials before being formally inducted into service.

Zanskar ponies, an indigenous mountain breed from Ladakh, will also be part of the march. Inducted into the Army in 2020, these ponies are renowned for their ability to operate in extreme conditions, carrying 40 to 60 kilograms in temperatures that can plunge to minus 40 degrees Celsius. The canine segment will include a strong representation of indigenous Indian breeds such as the Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kanni, Kombai, and Rajapalayam, alongside conventional military dogs trained for combat support and search operations.

Beating Retreat and Wider Celebrations Complete the Schedule

Beyond the Republic Day Parade, the celebrations will culminate with the Beating Retreat ceremony, a tradition that symbolically marks the conclusion of Republic Day events. Held over two days at Vijay Chowk, the ceremony combines military bands, precision drill, and ceremonial pageantry, drawing large crowds each year.

The Full Dress Rehearsal on January 28 allows attendees to experience the spectacle at a lower ticket price, while the main ceremony on January 29 offers the complete, polished performance. Officials expect strong public interest this year, driven by the novelty of the animal contingent and the continued popularity of the Republic Day celebrations among families, students, and tourists.

Further details and official updates regarding the Republic Day programme are available on the government’s Rashtraparv portal. With affordable tickets, a historic debut, and a carefully planned schedule, the 2026 Republic Day celebrations promise to be both inclusive and memorable, reinforcing the enduring connection between the armed forces and the citizens they serve.

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