Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Friday announced a move to end the “VIP culture” during the annual parade at Kartavya Path, as they would now be named after Indian rivers. Enclosures for the Beating Retreat will be named after musical instruments.

“This year, to end the VIP culture, we have named all our enclosures for the Republic Day parade after Indian rivers and the enclosures for the Beating Retreat ceremony after musical instruments”, he said.

Furthermore, he highlighted the commitment to cleanliness by announcing that a campaign would run after the events on January 26 and 30.

“NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers would remove the waste from the Kratavya Path and surrounding areas”, he added.

India will celebrate its 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, with elaborate parades, cultural displays, and a showcase of India’s defence capabilities. The event is expected to attract thousands of spectators, both in-person and via live broadcasts.

Rehearsals for the parade are underway on Kartavya Path as preparations continue for the national celebrations.

Meanwhile, the sale of tickets for the Republic Day parade, the full dress rehearsal of the Beating Retreat, and the main Beating Retreat ceremony commenced on January 5.