Indian Navy, Maharashtra Secure Top Honors at Republic Day Parade 2026

Republic Day Parade 2026: Winners Announced for Marching Contingents and Tableaux

New Delhi, India – The Ministry of Defence today announced the winners for the Best Marching Contingents and Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2026, held on January 26. The awards recognize excellence in discipline, creativity, and thematic presentation during the annual national celebration on Kartavya Path. The award presentation ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 30 at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp.

Judges' Choice: Marching Contingents

In the highly anticipated category of Best Marching Contingents among the three Services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the winner. Their contingent, comprising 144 young personnel, marched with precision and represented a 'progressive and strong maritime force'. For the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and other Auxiliary Forces, the Delhi Police contingent secured the top honor.

Judges' Choice: Tableaux

Among the States and Union Territories, Maharashtra clinched the first prize for its vibrant tableau titled 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta'. This tableau showcased a blend of modernity and tradition, portraying the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance, with a troupe of women dancers performing Lezim, a folk dance. Jammu and Kashmir earned the second spot for its tableau 'Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu & Kashmir', followed by Kerala in third place for 'Water Metro and 100 Per Cent Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

In the category for Central Ministries and Departments, the Ministry of Culture was awarded for its tableau, 'Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation'. This tableau celebrated the 150-year legacy of 'Vande Mataram', depicting its composition and various renditions. Special prizes were also presented to the Central Public Works Department for its tableau 'Vande Mataram – Commemoration of 150 Years' and to the dance group 'Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India'.

Popular Choice Awards

In addition to the judges' evaluations, 'Popular Choice' awards were determined through an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal. The Assam Regiment was voted the Best Marching Contingent among the Services, while the CRPF topped the Central Armed Police Forces and Auxiliary Forces category. For tableaux, Gujarat secured the first place with its theme 'Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance: Vande Mataram', followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Department of School Education and Literacy won the Popular Choice Award among Central Ministries and Departments for its tableau 'National Education Policy 2020: Rocketing Indian School Education on the Path to Viksit Bharat'.