Every year as Republic Day 2026 approaches, the confusion begins regarding asking a common question: Is India celebrating its 77th or 78th Republic Day in 2026? The confusion resurfaces every year, especially around January 26, but the answer is straightforward once the counting method is understood.
India celebrates Republic Day every year on January 26 to mark the adoption of the Constitution of India, which came into force on January 26, 1950.
Republic Day 2026: 77th or 78th?
Republic Day 2026 will be India’s 77th Republic Day.The reason lies in how anniversaries are officially counted in India.India became a republic on January 26, 1950 so The first Republic Day was celebrated in 1950 itself. That year is counted as Republic Day No. 1. Based on this 2025 marked the 76th Republic Day so 2026 will be the 77th Republic Day
Why the Confusion Between 77th and 78th Republic Day?
The confusion usually arises due to a simple mathematical miscalculation. Many people subtract 1950 from 2026, which gives 76, and then mistakenly assume the count should be 78.
However, this approach ignores the fact that 1950 is counted as the first Republic Day, not year zero. Since anniversaries include the starting year, 2026 correctly marks the 77th Republic Day of India.
Why Republic Day Is Celebrated on January 26
Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 because this was the day when the Constitution of India came into effect and India officially became a sovereign, democratic republic. Although India gained Independence on August 15, 1947, the country continued to follow the Government of India Act, 1935, until the Constitution was adopted in 1950.
Republic Day 2026 Celebrations
Like every year, Republic Day 2026 celebrations will be held with grandeur at Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The day will see the Republic Day Parade, where marching contingents of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force and State and Union Territory tableaux showcase cultural diversity. The event will be attended by the President of India, Prime Minister, senior ministers, and foreign dignitaries. This year, the Chief Guests for the Republic Day Parade 2026 are Antonio Costa, the President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.
