Republic Day 2026 began with a poignant moment of national remembrance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the National War Memorial in Delhi. The solemn ceremony marked the official opening of the Republic Day proceedings, with a wreath laid in honour of India’s fallen soldiers and a heartfelt moment of silence dedicated to the martyrs who sacrificed everything for the nation. The Prime Minister was welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh upon his arrival, and the tribute included a two-minute silence followed by the “Rouse” and the Salami Shastra command, a deeply emotional start to the nation’s grand celebration. This year’s Republic Day carries a powerful theme: “150 Years of Vande Mataram”, celebrating India’s patriotic spirit and its journey of freedom. WATCH 

India celebrates two landmark national holidays—Independence Day on August 15 and Republic Day on January 26. While both are marked by patriotic pride, parades, and flag hoisting, the reasons we celebrate them are very different. This Independence Day 2025, through this video, understand what truly separates these two days and why both remain deeply significant to every Indian.