India’s Republic Day is celebrated every year on 26 January to mark the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, transforming India into a sovereign republic. It is one of the country’s most important national holidays, featuring grand parades in New Delhi and across the nation.
How is Republic day Celebrated?
Republic Day Parade in New Delhi: Held at Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), it showcases India’s military strength, cultural heritage, and technological achievements. There are parades by the armed forces-Army, Military & Navy to showcase India’s Defence capabilities. All the 29 States & the Union Territories showcase their cultural & social heritage in the state capitals.
Flag Hoisting: The President of India hoists the national flag and delivers an address to the nation.
Awards Ceremony: Prestigious honors like the Padma Awards for distinguished services in various fields and bravery medals are announced.
Cultural Performances: School children, folk artists, and dancers perform across the country.
International Guests: A foreign head of state or government is invited as the Chief Guest each year.
Beating Retreat Ceremony: Held on 29 January, marking the end of Republic Day celebrations with military bands.
Top Online Sales Events and Offers:
Flipkart Republic Day Sale 2026- Premium wearables see massive price drop.
CROMA has magnificent Republic Day Sale offers.
The Republic Day sale is an eagerly anticipated shopping event in many countries, particularly in India, where it coincides with the national celebration of Republic Day on January 26th. During this time, retailers offer significant discounts and promotions across a wide range of products, including electronics, fashion, home appliances, and more. Shoppers eagerly await this period to snag the best deals and value for their money. The sale often extends to both online and brick-and-mortar stores, making it accessible to a broad audience. It’s a time when consumers can upgrade their gadgets, refresh their wardrobes, and purchase long-desired items at reduced prices, all while enjoying the patriotic spirit of the holiday.
To mark India’s 77th Republic Day, major e-commerce platforms are launching sales with deep discounts across fashion, electronics, and home goods. These events typically run from January 12th to January 26th.
– Amazon’s Great Republic Day Sale: Starting January 16th; up to 80% off across categories, including 40% off mobiles and 75% off electronics. SBI credit card users receive an additional 10% instant discount.
– Flipkart’s Republic Day Sale: Running January 17th–22nd (early access for Plus/Black members on January 16th). Offers up to 85% off and a 10% instant discount for HDFC Bank cardholders.
– Myntra’s Right to Fashion Sale: Running January 12th–18th; 50% to 80% off apparel and accessories, with extra discounts for new users and specific bank cards.
– AJIO Fashionista Sale: Discounts up to 90% plus extra coupon offers on ethnic and western wear.
BUY INDIAN
While several stores and e commerce platforms are announcing their special sale & promotions to celebrate India’s Republic day, let us take a moment to cherish the crafts & textiles of India. Let us pay a tribute to the weavers & craftspeople of India on this occasion.
Lets celebrate Indian by promoting Made in India clothing & Handicrafts. The diversity of Indian Handicrafts & textiles is stunning. Each Indian State has a historical tradition of weaving textiles and creating crafts from locally available products. Thus, India has a very interesting, diverse & wide range of locally produced products. We have showcased unique textiles & crafts from 11 Indian States in this blog.
Mithila art, also known as Madhubani painting is a 2500-year-old Indian art form. It has its origins in the Mithila region of Bihar and Nepal. Mithila is the place of birth of Sita, the wife of Lord Ram from the Ramayana.
As a matter of fact, this art form was practised on freshly plastered floor & walls in mud houses. Today, they are hugely popular paintings on canvas. Colourful portrayals of tales from the Ramayana, marriage processions, and flora & fauna of this region are the prominent subjects of the paintings. Madhubani is done using twigs or fingers and natural dyes are used in the paintings. The eyes of humans or animals are given a lot of prominence in Madhubani art. Further, there is no empty space in the painting.
Tussar silk is produced from the larve of silkworms. India is the 2nd largest producer of this silk in Bhagalpur, the State of Bihar. It is a coarse silk in golden colour. It is dyed in several colours later.
This form of pottery is of Turko-Persian in origin. Blue colour is the predominant colour used in this form of pottery & hence the name blue pottery. For example, cobalt is used to make the blue dye. It has close similarity to Islamic pottery. Further, it was introduced to India by the Turkish invaders.
Bandhini fabrics and sarees are popular dotted sarees in Rajasthan. The fabrics are tied with a thread at identified spots & then dyed in the desired colours. This creates a unique pattern with white dots. Crepe silk, satin & cotton fabrics are the fabrics used to create this kind of prints.
Leheriya
The word leheriya means wave like patterns. Sarees & fabrics with wave like patterns in chiffon, georgette and cotton are very popular & fashionable. In addition, skirts & scarves in leheriya are available in bright & modern colours.
They are are local puppets. Kings & queens, prince & princesses make these toys colourful & interesting. That is how the tradition of storytelling evolved. In other words, this is a popular form of entertainment in the villages of Rajasthan.
Rajasthani Puppets
3. Craft and Textile of Gujarat
Tiny mirrors are attached to colourfully embroidered fabrics to create a stunning effect. In addition, they are used on dresses, tops, salwar suits, blouses. Further, they can also be used on furnishings & fabrics.
Silk sarees from Patan in Gujarat are known as Patola sarees. The wonderful patterns on the silk are created using the resist dyeing technique method. It is called double ikkat. As a matter of fact, the fabrics are woven in this beautiful fashion and are not printed. Patola sarees are soft, silky & very colorful.
Imagine when silver is twisted into thin strips & crafted in beautiful shapes. That is silver filigree jewellery, artefacts are made with silver filigree. The metals are at first beaten down & flattened & then cut into thin strips. They are then crafted into shapes. Silver Filigree is created when twisted threads of silver are soldered on to the surface. For instance, filigree involves kneading, twisting and melding of metals like gold and silver. Further, this delicate kind of metalwork is achieved after long hours of diligent work by committed artisans.
Firstly, the word ‘Pattachitra’ is sourced from two Sanskrit words: ‘patta’ (canvas) and ‘chitra (picture). Synonymous with Odisha, Pattachitra thus refers to a painting done on canvas. It is in a scroll form and is inspired by the local deities such as Lord Jaganath. Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of Lord Jaganath in the State of Odisha. The paintings are colourful & tell a tale from mythology.
Pattachitra artists from Odisha’sState Emporiums CP Raghurajpur village boast a breath-taking collection of this ancient art form. The village is popularly known as the ‘heritage village’ for unique and varied range of crafts being carried out there. A skilled artisan is able to carve a splendid, flawless Pattachitrapaintingonly after years of practice. It takes from around 5-15 days to even several months to complete a single piece, depending upon details involved as well as size of the paintings.
Firstly, brass is an alloy composed of copper and zinc and is known for its hardness. It has a dull gold like sheen. In addition, it is used extensively for making items for worship such as lamps, deities and decorative items.
In addition, it is also used to make bearings, locks, & plumbing essentials. Brass is also used in some musical instruments.
Furthermore, brass lamps and brass deities are very popular in South India. As a result, the temple bells and huge temple lamps are made of brass. Brass artefacts are one of the best handicrafts in India. Moradabad in UP is also very famous for brass items.
The town of Kanchipuram is about 70 Kms from Chennai. Kancheepuram or Kanjivaram is a small temple town in the State of Tamil Nadu in South India. It was the capital city during the reign of the Pallavas. Kanchipuram or Kanjivaram is also popular for its eponymous sarees. The heavy colourful silk sarees are magnificent and without a parallel in the world.
6. Indian HandiCrafts and Textile of Karnatka
Wood Carving
Firstly, did you know this timeless art goes as far back as ancient Egypt era? The best example to cite is a statue of a man displayed in the Museum of Cairo in Egypt. It possibly dates back to 4,000 BC. Wood carving is an ancient art. The state of Karnataka is famous for rosewood & Sandalwood carving.
These sarees are very soft silk as compared to the stiff & thick Kanjivaram silk. They are less expensive than the heavy Kanjivaram sarees and they are light weight sarees. The sarees come in rich colours and have zari borders.
Firstly, the word “terracotta” means “baked earth ”. Above all, terracotta refers to the clay based earthenware. Further, it is cheap, versatile & durable. Clay is baked to an orcher or red colour. In other words, this is not glazed pottery. It has been used for building bricks, tiles, sarcophagus & more. The latter was decorated with figures & paintings.
It is a simple embroidery technique popular in the states of West Bengal in India and in Bangladesh. However, unlike Chikankari embroidery which is predominantly in white colour, kantha embroidery is done in colourful threads. It is also known as Kantha stitch. Motifs of beautiful flowers and delicate creepers and animals are used in this form of embroidery.
As a matter of fact, fine cotton handloom sarees are Tant sarees from Bengal. Jamdani is also an intricate Persian origin work that is incorporated in the sarees. Thus, they are outstandingly beautiful sarees. Jamdani is also done on muslin, which is a light weight & transparent fabric. They mostly come in pastel shades.
Bowls, plates, penstands, christmas decorative art are all made from papier mache. In other words, simple paper is used to make beautiful at form. Further, it is dissolved in water to make a pulp before it takes its final shape & colour. As a result, masks used in floats and other Republic day items are made from papier mache.
The soft Kashmiri shawl is made from special wool found in Kashmir. But, Cashmere is a softer wool. However, Pasmina could have some silk mixture too. It is a very soft & lighter texture of wool. It is ideally used in shawls.
If you have visited the Taj Mahal, you would probably be aware of the beautiful frescos & designs on the walls. The white marble is chipped and designed with grooves, cuttings & spaces. Coloured glass is placed into it. This is mirror inlay work. It is also known as glass inlay work or Thikri. The outstanding designs & patterns are spectacular.
As a matter of fact, is a a very distinct embroidery work from Uttar Pradesh. The embroidery is done using white colour threads on the reverse side similar to Kantha work. This creates shaded patterns on the frontside of the fabric. In other words, this kind of work is a speciality from the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Banarasi Sarees
The most exquisite sarees from India are the Banarasi sarees.
The city of Varanasi or Banaras is best known for these silk sarees of outstanding quality. The colourful silk threads are interwoven with silver & gold threads to craft fabrics & sarees that are unmatched in quality.
Mukha- These are face masks from Assam depicting demons, dragons & characters from Ramayana. This craft originated from the river island of Majuli. This island is surrounded by the river Brahmaputra. The masks or Mukha are extensively used in mythological plays. The masks add more authenticity when playing the characters of lord Ram, Ravan & the monkey god Hanuman.
This is a specialised craft and is known for its simplicity & strong form. Brass is the basic raw material that is used. Animals such a s, peacocks, elephants, horses and human forms are important part of the product range. Dhokra art is predominantly practised by the Dhokra Damar tribes Madhya Pradesh, Orissa & West Bengal.
There is a lot of history is associated with this fabric. The Chanderi fabric originated in the 13th century in a town also called Chanderi. It is a popular fabric lending itself to be made into sarees, salwars, lehengas and more.
You may feel a bit emotional today or let’s say that a heightened sense of emotions may have been your normal for the past sometime. Aquarius, could this be because you actually do really feel a lot? But seldom share your thoughts and emotions when it truly matters. The same roads will not lead you to a different outcome, Cancer. And you are figuring it out one step at a time. The past 7 years or so may have felt like a big blur and yet, in fleeting moments, the clarity you expected has arrived. Communication is key for you, Taurus. Make it effective and healthy and it only gets better. Now show up for yourself, for those you love and for all that matters to you. Own your personal power not through arrogance or force but through that quiet knowing that you are capable and you can make things happen. You deserve the best of what you can imagine for yourself and your loved ones so get cracking on those dreams now, Aries.
Read on for what the stars have in store for you and make sure you check out your sun, moon and rising signs for the complete picture.
You are protected. Whatever you are experiencing currently, Aries, be it on the health front, the personal front, relationships, finances etc, there is a strong energy of protection around you right now. With all this cosmic glow-up in your sign, you better make the most of it in all the big and tiny ways. You deserve the best of what you can imagine for yourself and your loved ones so get cracking on those dreams now.
Cosmic tip: The timing is perfect for you.
Communication is key for you, Taurus. Make it effective and healthy and it only gets better. Now show up for yourself, for those you love and for all that matters to you. Own your personal power not through arrogance or force but through that quiet knowing that you are capable and you can make things happen. When you feel lost or confused, ask your guides, angels, the cosmos — whatever your belief system — to step in and assist. Breakthroughs will find you.
Cosmic tip: When you ask the cosmos for help, wait to notice how it is helping you.
Your personal and love life pertaining questions may have got you thinking hard and long — sometimes in existential ways and some other times from the gaze and purview of self-worthiness. Gemini, whatever your train of thought, you have cracked the code — the underlying thread is you accepting and unfolding your truest self. Things have happened lately that help you recognise and put together pieces of yourself and your life like never before. Life is beginning to make sense and wonderfully at that.
All the Indian stars at Cannes 2026—from Alia Bhatt to Diana Penty
Indian representation at Cannes 2026 reached a significant high across both cinema and culture. Payal Kapadia served as the president of the jury for the 65th edition of Critics’ Week, marking a major moment for Indian cinema on the global stage. Emerging filmmaker Mehar Malhotra’s Shadows of the Moonless Nights becomes the only Indian film selected for the La Cinef school films competition; meanwhile, Amma Ariyan (1986) from Kerala was set to premiere at the festival.
Ahead, we detail some of the best sartorial appearances at Cannes 2026 so far.
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt delivered some of the festival’s biggest fashion moments at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. Her arrival look featured a custom ensemble by That Antiquepiece, hand-painted by Basuri Chokshi. She paired the look with heart-shaped yellow diamond studs from Chopard, mules by Manolo Blahnik, and a bag by Meera Mahadevia, finishing the ensemble with soft glam makeup and a side-parted French-twist bun.
For the opening ceremony, Bhatt chose a custom coral-pink couture gown by Tamara Ralph in silk crêpe, detailed with sheer silk voile chiffon drapes around the arms. The look was accessorised with a statement necklace by Amrapali Jewels featuring 168.27 carats of rare pink coral centred around a 5.53-carat Golconda diamond, paired with square-cut Chopard earrings and an Asscher-cut diamond ring.
The sari has become a recurring choice in Janhvi Kapoor’s wardrobe, not as a one-note style, however, but a flexible language. She moves between archival heirlooms, sheer drapes, regional weaves and experimental couture. From hand-embroidered Manish Malhotra pieces to custom Di Petsa that rework the silhouette, her sari outings span moods, moments and contexts.
In a powder-blue periwinkle sari by Manish Malhotra, Kapoor swaps traditional structure for a more body-skimming drape, featuring sheer layering, a plunging blouse and elongated cape-like drapes falling from the shoulders. At the back, an open-back blouse and trailing fringe hems add dramatic impact to the sari’s silhouette. Styled by Meagan Concessio, the sari is paired with sapphire-toned floral earrings, a gemstone bracelet and a statement ring. Kapoor paired it with a sleek ponytail and glazed makeup.
Curating the perfect capsule wardrobe looks a little different for everyone, but there are a handful of staples that will benefit nearly every closet. Having a reliable collection of basics makes getting dressed easier, whether you’re a staunch minimalist who sticks to simplicity or an experimental dresser building looks upon a foundation. True luxury can be found among the classics, whether it’s a perfect white T-shirt, a well-fitting button-up or a pair of jeans.
Versatility and a neutral colour palette will be essential to unlocking your own sense of style, and the following six key clothing items are the essential building blocks for any capsule wardrobe.
The capsule wardrobe essentials
White shirt
A crisp white button-down shirt is the ultimate wardrobe essential, equally at home under a blazer for meetings or on the weekend with leggings, white sneakers and oversized outerwear. Look for cotton poplin or linen styles that breathe and hold their shape.
Female mountaineers like Lhakpa Sherpa deserve flowers. But more importantly, they deserve funding
As a child, I once heard someone on the radio talking about how, when they died, they wanted their ashes scattered over the Himalayas. I remember thinking, What must it be like up there, that a person wants to go even in death? I wanted to see it while I was still alive,” shares Jyoti Ratre, who was 55 when she broke the record of being the oldest Indian woman to summit Mount Everest in 2024.
Born in Bhopal, Ratre first saw the snow-capped peaks of Himachal Pradesh’s Dhauladhar range in 2017—an encounter she describes as “love at first sight”. Soon after, with minimal training, she completed the Pin Parvati Pass trek, also in Himachal Pradesh. “It was 5,300 metres. I thought if I worked on my fitness, then I could do Everest.”
Ratre’s first attempt was in 2023. A week before she set out, a stomach ache took her to the doctor, where she discovered a severe urinary tract condition that required immediate surgery. “You usually need full anaesthesia for it, but I opted for a localised shot so I could make a quick recovery,” she says. “In my heart, the desire for Everest was so strong that everything else felt small. In India, women think life ends at 50. I wanted to prove to them that that’s when it starts.” The next morning, she was in Kathmandu. Three days later, the climb began.
During the summit push, Ratre’s team was hit by an unexpected storm and forced to turn back to Camp 4, the final base where climbers rest before attempting to reach the summit. When they arrived, one of her companions was missing—he’d lost his way in the storm. “He was unconscious when the Sherpa found him late at night,” she recalls. “I had a choice then. I could either wait and attempt the summit the next day or save my companion’s life. I thought, if I raise the flag tomorrow and he dies, I won’t be able to forgive myself.” Ratre had been just 600 metres from the goal she had spent six years chasing but she knew no peak was worth a human life. She made the call to let her guide descend with her companion, staying back at Camp 4 for two days until he returned for her. “My dream did not come true, but I was happy with my decision,” she says. In May 2024, she finally stood atop the tallest mountain in the world. “I used to cry when I reached a summit. But with Everest, I think I blacked out. I didn’t feel anything. I didn’t feel happy or sad. I just can’t express it in words.”
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