Republic Day 2026 Theme Is Vande Mataram, Aatmanirbhar Bharat; Here's How Tableaux Will Be Selected

Last Updated:November 06, 2025, 12:48 IST

These themes aim to highlight India’s growing confidence in indigenous innovation, rising economic strength, and the national movement towards Aatmanirbharta.

The tableaux selection process for Republic Day 2026 has begun. (Image: PTI File)

Preparations for the Republic Day Parade 2026 have formally begun with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) initiating the annual selection process for tableaux from States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries. This year, the parade will showcase two overarching 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). These themes aim to highlight India’s growing confidence in indigenous innovation, rising economic strength, and the national movement towards Aatmanirbharta.

“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 document says.

In a detailed communication circulated by the MoD, officials explained that the tableau selection will take place through a multilayered, rigorous process involving six to seven rounds of meetings of the Expert Committee. The process begins with scrutiny of sketches and designs, where participants are asked to refine their concepts based on committee feedback. Once the sketches are approved, States and Ministries must submit three-dimensional models that visually capture the proposed tableau. These models undergo further review, with the final selection based on visual appeal, thematic relevance, level of detailing, innovation, technological integration, and the ability of the tableau to engage and inspire large audiences. Local art forms and artists will continue to play a significant role, and tableaux incorporating indigenous crafts or traditional performances may receive special consideration.

The Ministry also emphasised that all entries must be uploaded on the Rashtraparv Portal, including sketches, concepts, audio-visuals, and written content. Once a tableau is shortlisted for the final parade at Kartavya Path, participating artists will report to the RR Camp in Delhi in late December and remain available until the end of January to ensure timely fabrication and rehearsals. The MoD further 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 depicted clearly as part of the narrative, while maintaining harmony with the theme.

“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 document says.

Following the instructions from MoD, the MHA has directed its divisions to submit their proposals by 3 November 2025, stressing that Departments will be responsible for securing their own financial approvals, while the Coordination Wing will facilitate communication with the MoD. With the 2026 themes focused on national strength and prosperity, officials expect that tableaux this year will feature a blend of technological progress, cultural pride, rural transformation, women’s empowerment, defence capabilities, and India’s progress toward a self-reliant future.

Ankur Sharma

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...Read More

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar...

Read More

News india Republic Day 2026 Theme Is Vande Mataram, Aatmanirbhar Bharat; Here's How Tableaux Will Be Selected

Read More