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Republic Day in Mumbai: the state parade at Shivaji Park
The day a billion people celebrate one constitution
Republic Day in Mumbai centres on one ground: Shivaji Park in Dadar, where Maharashtra holds its state ceremony on the morning of 26 January. The flag is unfurled, the Navy, Army, Air Force, Mumbai Police and fire brigade march past, and department tableaux follow. It is a smaller, more local occasion than the national parade in Delhi, and it fits easily into an ordinary Mumbai trip: next date 26 January 2027.
Maharashtra's state Republic Day ceremony is held at Shivaji Park in Dadar: the flag is unfurled, the Navy, Army, Air Force, Mumbai Police and fire brigade march past, and department tableaux follow.
Where to watch
Shivaji Park (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan), Dadar: the state ceremony, with the flag unfurling, the parade and the tableaux. The flag is usually unfurled by the Governor (in 2026 by the Chief Minister, as the Governor was in Gujarat). Seating around the ground is largely for invited guests, schoolchildren and senior citizens.
The ceremony at Shivaji Park
While the President takes the salute in New Delhi, state capitals hold ceremonies of their own. In Maharashtra the state function is held at Shivaji Park, officially Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan, the large open ground in Dadar.
The flag is usually unfurled by the Governor of Maharashtra, who then inspects the ceremonial parade and takes the salute; when the Governor is away, the Chief Minister can take his place. The marching contingents come from the Indian Navy, Army and Air Force, the Mumbai Police and the fire brigade, among others, and after the march past come tableaux (decorated floats) from state government departments.
The same contingents rehearse at Shivaji Park a couple of days before 26 January in a full dress rehearsal. If you are in the city earlier in the week, ask locally about the rehearsal; whether the public is admitted is not officially announced.
Other ceremonies take place across the city on the same morning. The flag is unfurled at the headquarters of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Fort and outside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus by Central Railway, and schools, offices and housing societies hold their own flag hoisting.
Why 26 January
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into force on 26 January 1950, the day India became a republic. The date was chosen on purpose: on 26 January 1930 the Indian National Congress had proclaimed Purna Swaraj, complete independence. Republic Day is a national holiday with a fixed date, so it falls on 26 January every year.
The national parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, with tickets, enclosures and the Beating Retreat three days later, is a different experience; see Republic Day in Delhi and the Republic Day overview.
Getting to Shivaji Park
The ceremony is in the morning. The suburban train is the simplest way in.
- Suburban train to Dadar
Dadar station is served by both the Western and the Central suburban lines, so it is one direct train from Churchgate or CSMT in South Mumbai. From the station, Shivaji Park is about fifteen minutes on foot. Fares start from about ₹5.
- Metro
The Aqua Line (Metro Line 3), which links the airport, BKC and South Mumbai, also has a station named Dadar. Metro tickets cost roughly ₹10–80 and can be bought as a QR code through WhatsApp.
- Stay in Dadar
If you want to be at the ground early without a long journey, Dadar itself is the practical base; see Dadar.
Good to know on 26 January
Republic Day in Mumbai is an official ceremony, not a street festival. A few things help the morning go smoothly.
- Seats are mostly for invitees — Seating around the ground goes largely to invited guests, schoolchildren and senior citizens. If you want a ticketed seat at a parade, that is the national one in Delhi.
- Local flag hoistings are open — Flag-hoisting ceremonies at local schools and government offices are free and welcoming, and they are an easy way to see how ordinary Mumbai marks the day.
- Take care in crowds — The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advises particular care during periods of national significance such as Republic Day, and notes that stampedes have occurred at parades and other large gatherings. Keep to the edges of crowds and follow police instructions.
- Alcohol may not be on sale — The FCDO notes that there is often a ban on the sale of alcohol during national holidays in India. Plan the evening accordingly.
- Pleasant weather — January is one of Mumbai's driest and mildest months, typically around 17 °C at night and 31 °C by day, with almost no rain. A hat and water still help on an open ground in the morning sun.
FAQ
Where is the Republic Day parade held in Mumbai?
At Shivaji Park (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Maidan) in Dadar, where Maharashtra holds its state ceremony with the flag unfurling, the march past and department tableaux.
What time does the Republic Day parade start in Mumbai?
The state ceremony is held in the morning of 26 January. The exact timing is set by the state government each year, so check local announcements a day or two before.
Do I need a ticket for the Mumbai Republic Day parade?
Seating around the ground is largely for invited guests, schoolchildren and senior citizens. Ticketed seats are sold for the national parade in Delhi.
Is Republic Day a holiday in Mumbai?
Yes. Republic Day is a national holiday on a fixed date, 26 January, across India.
How do I get to Shivaji Park?
Take a suburban train to Dadar, on both the Western and Central lines; the ground is about fifteen minutes' walk from the station.
Sources (4)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.