Republic Day 2026: Vande Mataram, Aatmanirbhar Bharat key themes; defence ministry to select tableaux through sketches, 3D models

With 2026 themes focused on national strength and prosperity, officials expect the tableaux to showcase a blend of technological progress, cultural pride, rural transformation, women's empowerment, defence capabilities, and India's journey toward a self-reliant future

Preparations for the Republic Day Parade 2026 have officially kicked off, with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) launching the annual selection process for tableaux from States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries, CNN-News18 reported.

Next year's parade will highlight two central themes - "स्वावलम्बन का मंत्र - वंदे मातरम्" (The Mantra of Self-Reliance - Vande Mataram) and "समृद्धि का मंत्र - आत्मनिर्भर भारत" (The Mantra of Prosperity - Aatmanirbhar Bharat), aiming to underscore India's growing confidence in indigenous innovation, rising economic strength, and the national drive toward Aatmanirbharta, according to CNN-News18.

"All the States/UTs/Ministries/Departments willing to participate in the selection process of tableaux for Republic Day Celebrations, 2026 are mandatorily required to upload the contents related to tableaux such as image, sketch, concept note, write-up, audio, video, etc., on 'Rashtraparv Portal' by logging in to www.rashtraparv.mod.gov.in with the login credentials already provided by the Ministry of Defence," the MoD document said, as reported by CNN-News18.

Officials told CNN-News18 that the tableau selection process will involve six to seven rounds of meetings by an Expert Committee. The process begins with a detailed scrutiny of sketches and designs, where participants are expected to refine their concepts based on committee feedback. Once sketches are approved, States and Ministries must submit three-dimensional models that visually capture the proposed tableau.

These models will then undergo further evaluation, with final selection based on visual appeal, thematic relevance, detailing, innovation, technological integration, and the ability to engage and inspire large audiences. CNN-News18 noted that local art forms and artists will continue to play a key role, with tableaux incorporating indigenous crafts or traditional performances likely to receive special consideration.

The MoD also emphasised, as per CNN-News18, that all entries - including sketches, concepts, audio-visuals, and written content - must be uploaded on the Rashtraparv Portal.

Shortlisted tableaux for the final parade at Kartavya Path will see participating artists report to the RR Camp in Delhi by late December and remain available until the end of January to ensure timely fabrication and rehearsals. Officials reminded participants to maintain clarity, simplicity, and visual coherence in their designs, avoiding overcrowding, unnecessary statistics, or excessive text. The tractor and trailer forming the base must be clearly depicted while harmonising with the theme, CNN-News18 reported.

"The tableaux proposals are evaluated in a series of meetings of the Expert Committee. In the first phase of selection, the sketch/design of the proposals is scrutinised and suggestions, if any, are given to carry out improvement in the sketch/design. Once the sketches/designs are approved by the Committee, the participants are asked to come up with three-dimensional models of their proposals. The models are thereafter examined by the Committee for final selection depending upon other aspects of the tableaux," the MoD document stated, according to CNN-News18.

Following the MoD's instructions, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed its divisions to submit their proposals by 3 November 2025, emphasizing that Departments will need to secure their own financial approvals, while the Coordination Wing will facilitate communication with the MoD, CNN-News18 reported. With 2026 themes focused on national strength and prosperity, officials expect the tableaux to showcase a blend of technological progress, cultural pride, rural transformation, women's empowerment, defence capabilities, and India's journey toward a self-reliant future, according to CNN-News18.