Republic Day 2026 turns musical milestone as MM Keeravani leads ‘Vande Mataram’ at 150

Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani has been announced as the music composer for India’s Republic Day Parade 2026, calling the opportunity a moment of deep honour and pride.

In a post on X, Keeravani said he feels “deeply honoured and privileged” to compose the music for the January 26 celebrations, which will mark the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’.

The grand musical presentation, curated under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, will feature 2,500 artists from across India, promising a powerful fusion of tradition and contemporary orchestration on Kartavya Path.

Rehearsals for the 77th Republic Day Parade are already underway at Kartavya Path, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most culturally expansive showcases in recent years.

With ‘Vande Mataram’ as the central theme, the 2026 celebrations aim to highlight India’s unity, heritage, and artistic diversity on a monumental scale.

The event will also carry strong global significance. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, will attend as Chief Guests. Their visit coincides with the 16th EU-India Summit scheduled for January 27 in New Delhi.

During the visit, the two European leaders are expected to meet Narendra Modi to advance the EU-India strategic partnership. According to an EU statement, discussions will focus on trade, security and defence, clean energy transition, and people-to-people cooperation.

Fresh from global acclaim for “Naatu Naatu,” Keeravani’s Republic Day composition is being seen as a landmark moment—bringing international prestige and a renewed musical vision to one of India’s most important national celebrations.