The Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path will pay a special tribute to India’s rivers and the communities that protect them, highlighting rivers as living symbols of the nation’s civilisation, culture and ecological heritage. In a unique and symbolic initiative, the enclosures for the national parade have been named after major rivers flowing across the country, reinforcing their central role as lifelines of India.
The enclosures have been named after the following rivers: Beas, Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghagra, Godavari, Sindhu, Jhelum, Kaveri, Kosi, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada, Pennar, Periyar, Ravi, Sone, Sutlej, Teesta, Vaigai and Yamuna. The initiative seeks to deepen public awareness of river conservation and recognise the enduring bond between rivers and the people who depend on them.
As part of the celebrations, 163 community river conservationists and water warriors have been invited as Special Guests by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The group includes 28 participants from Uttarakhand, 10 from Jharkhand, 40 from Bihar and 85 from Uttar Pradesh. These Special Guests will witness the Republic Day Parade 2026 at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, reflecting national recognition of grassroots efforts in river protection and rejuvenation.
A significant number of the invitees are Ganga Praharis, trained and motivated volunteers drawn from local communities who work for biodiversity conservation and cleanliness of the Ganga River. Under the joint collaboration of the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Wildlife Institute of India, Ganga Praharis contribute to restoring the Nirmal and Aviral Dhara of the river while conserving its ecological integrity. Their work spans biodiversity protection, cleanliness drives and sustained community engagement along the river basin.
In addition to the Ganga Praharis, private citizens and representatives of non-governmental organisations engaged in the protection and conservation of aquatic fauna such as dolphins and turtles, as well as those involved in river conservation and outreach activities, have also been invited to witness the national समारोह. All Special Guests will be seated in the Periyar enclosure, underscoring the inclusive and symbolic nature of the initiative.
Shri V L Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, will participate in the Republic Day celebrations from the Ghagra enclosure. The Special Guests will also interact with the Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C R Patil and Ministers of State Shri V Somanna and Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhry on 27 January, providing an opportunity for direct dialogue and acknowledgement of community-led conservation efforts.
The special invitation to river guardians not only honours their contribution but also enables citizens from rural and riverine regions to witness a national ceremony of historic significance. Their presence at Kartavya Path reinforces the spirit of Jan Bhagidari and highlights community participation as a cornerstone of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
