The major ceremonies at Delhi and the state capitals revolve around the parade in which all the defence services police contingents, Home guards and Civil Defence, NCC, school children and cultural troupes participate followed by a display of tableaux and folk dances. Every year a grand parade is held in the capital, from the Rajghat, along the Vijaypath. The different regiments of the Army, the Navy and the Air force march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India takes salute of the contingents of Armed Forces.

The crème of N.C.C cadets, selected from all over the country participate in this event, as do school children from various schools in the capital. The parade is followed by a pageant of spectacular displays from the different states of the country. These moving exhibits depict activities, music and culture of people in those states.

Then, the President awards the medals of bravery to officers from the armed forces for their exceptional courage and to civilians, who have distinguished themselves by their acts of valour in different situations.

At Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, three days later (i.e. January 29) the massed bands of the Armed Forces "Beat the Retreat" in a majestic manner.

Republic Day is also celebrated in many parts of India, for example State Capital, Govt. Houses, Offices, Schools etc. Parade, Cultural functions are held in different parts of India to celebrate Republic Day.