New Delhi, jan 25 Rivers, revered as the lifeblood of civilizations, are profound cultural symbols and repositories of India’s collective heritage and diversity. Reflecting this spirit, a unique initiative has been introduced for the Republic Day Parade 2026, with enclosures at Kartavya Path named after major rivers flowing across the country.
These include Beas, Brahmaputra, Chambal, Chenab, Gandak, Ganga, Ghagra, Godavari, Sindhu, Jhelum, Kaveri, Kosi, Krishna, Mahanadi, Narmada, Pennar, Periyar, Ravi, Sone, Sutlej, Teesta, Vaigai and Yamuna.
As part of the celebrations, 163 Special Guests—popularly known as water warriors—will attend the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, as invitees of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR). The guests include 28 participants from Uttarakhand, 10 from Jharkhand, 40 from Bihar and 85 from Uttar Pradesh.
Among them are Ganga Praharis—motivated and trained volunteers from local communities engaged in biodiversity conservation and cleanliness of the Ganga River. Working under a joint initiative of the National Mission for Clean Ganga and the Wildlife Institute of India, the Ganga Praharis contribute towards restoring the river’s Nirmal and Aviral Dhara and conserving its ecological integrity.
In addition, private citizens and representatives of NGOs involved in the protection of aquatic fauna such as dolphins and turtles, as well as river conservation and community outreach, have also been invited to witness the parade.
The initiative not only recognises grassroots contributions to river conservation but also offers rural citizens an opportunity to witness a national ceremony of historic significance. Their participation reinforces the spirit of Jan Bhagidari, highlighting community engagement as a cornerstone of national development. These Special Guests will be seated in the Periyar enclosure.
V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti , will participate in the Republic Day celebrations from the Ghaghra enclosure.
The Special Guests will also interact with Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Patil and Ministers of State V. Somanna and Raj Bhushan Choudhary on January 27.
