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Republic Day in Jaipur: Rajasthan's state ceremony
The day a billion people celebrate one constitution
On Republic Day, 26 January 2027, Jaipur hosts Rajasthan's state ceremony. At Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Stadium the Governor unfurls the national flag, takes the salute of a parade of police, armed forces, NCC and civil contingents and hands out police medals, followed by tableaux and folk dance. It is a morning event, much of the seating is for pass holders, and it is the state's counterpart to the national parade in Delhi, not a copy of it.
Rajasthan's state Republic Day ceremony is held at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur: the Governor unfurls the flag and takes the salute of a parade of uniformed contingents, followed by folk dance.
Where to watch
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: the Governor unfurls the flag here, followed by the parade, police medals and folk dance. Entry is only through designated gates, many of them for pass holders, and parking is barred on the surrounding roads.
What happens at SMS Stadium
The ceremony follows the pattern of state Republic Day functions across India. The Governor of Rajasthan arrives, unfurls the tricolour and takes the salute as contingents of Rajasthan Police, the armed forces, the NCC and other services march past. Police medals for gallantry and service are presented on the field. Tableaux on the state's heritage and achievements follow, then folk dance groups. The Chief Minister, the Speaker of the Assembly and senior officials attend; at the most recent ceremony the Chief Minister also hoisted the flag at his residence and at Badi Chaupar in the old city.
The flag goes up in the morning: the database records 09:30 at one recent ceremony, and the state publishes the exact time a few days before. Entry to the stadium is through designated gates, many of them for pass holders, so a visitor without a pass may not get a seat. The roads around the stadium, including Bhawani Singh Road, Janpath and Tonk Road, are closed to parking that morning.
What the holiday changes in Jaipur
Republic Day is a national holiday, so government offices, banks and schools close, and some places keep their own holiday lists.
- Flag hoistings everywhere — Schools, residential colonies and government offices raise the flag in the morning, in small local ceremonies.
- Some museums close — The Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing in Amer, for example, is closed on Republic Day. Check any museum you plan for that day.
- A cold start — January mornings in Jaipur average about 8°C, with days around 22°C (see January weather). Dress in layers for a morning in the stands.
- Carry ID — Expect security checks at official venues; keep your passport or a copy with you.
Jaipur or Delhi for Republic Day
The national parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with the President taking the salute, regiments, state floats and a fly-past, is the larger spectacle, and the Beating Retreat at Vijay Chowk follows on the evening of 29 January. Both need tickets or passes from the Ministry of Defence; see Republic Day in Delhi. Jaipur's ceremony is smaller and more local.
Late January is high season in Jaipur, and the Jaipur Literature Festival usually falls in late January or early February, so rooms and trains fill early: book about a month ahead. For routes from Delhi, see how to get to Jaipur; for the meaning of the day itself, see Republic Day.
FAQ
Where is the Republic Day parade in Jaipur?
At Sawai Mansingh (SMS) Stadium, where the Governor of Rajasthan unfurls the flag and takes the salute of the state parade.
What time does the Republic Day ceremony start in Jaipur?
In the morning. At one recent ceremony the flag went up at 09:30; the state announces the exact time a few days before.
Can tourists attend the Jaipur parade?
Entry is through designated gates, many of them for pass holders, so a seat is not guaranteed without a pass. Schools and neighbourhoods also hold their own small flag hoistings.
Is Republic Day a holiday in Jaipur?
Yes, it is a national holiday on 26 January every year. Government offices and banks close, and some museums, such as the Anokhi Museum, are shut.
Sources (2)
Facts checked: 22 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.