Sunday 25 / January / 2026
Muscat: As India marks its 77th Republic Day on Monday, Oman’s Indian expatriate community of nearly 520,000 is observing the occasion by celebrating the nation’s Constitution, democratic values, cultural heritage, and the enduring friendship between India and the Sultanate.
The Embassy of India in Muscat will host the traditional Flag Unfurling Ceremony at 7.00 am, welcoming Indian nationals and friends of India to witness the event. The Embassy will remain closed for the day in observance of the national holiday.
This year’s Republic Day celebrations continue with a Community Reception on Wednesday, January 28, at the Grand Lawn of Crowne Plaza, Qurum. The Embassy has invited performers, painters, and other creative artists to contribute to a cultural programme and art exhibition.
Folk dances, musical performances, and other artistic displays of up to three minutes will be showcased alongside original artworks, reflecting India’s rich heritage and its cultural ties with Oman.
“Republic Day is a chance to share our culture with friends abroad while remembering the values that built our nation,” said Meenakshi, an artist participating in the event.
“Performing here in Oman feels like connecting two nations - celebrating India’s traditions alongside a historic country that has shared centuries-old ties with India.”
Schools across Oman are marking the day with programmes that blend learning and celebration.
Flag hoisting, the national anthem, patriotic songs, dances, and skits recount India’s freedom struggle and the journey of its Constitution. For many students, these activities offer more than ceremony - they are lessons in citizenship, unity, and responsibility.
“Republic Day teaches our children the importance of democratic values and the significance of our Constitution,” said a principal of an Indian school in Muscat.
“Through songs, dances, and skits, they connect with history and understand the role they play in shaping a progressive society.”
He added, “January 26 marks the day India formally became a sovereign, democratic republic, governed by laws written by Indians for Indians.”
For Indian expatriates, the celebrations carry deep emotional significance. “Being away from India makes this day even more meaningful,” said R. Madhusoodanan, a former State Bank of India official.
“Republic Day reminds us of the strength of our Constitution and the responsibility every citizen carries in building a progressive and inclusive nation. As Indians, many of us are consciously experiencing an awakening that generates positive energy to nurture the world. Viksit Bharat is about this inner and collective renewal.”
Community leaders note that the Republic Day events in Oman reflect India’s cultural richness and unity in diversity. By involving artists, students, and residents, the Embassy and local associations strengthen the bonds of people-to-people diplomacy that have long connected India and Oman.
Cultural and artistic expressions form the heart of the celebration. Participants are encouraged to submit performances and creative works, with selected entries displayed at the reception and featured on the Embassy’s social media channels. The combination of music, dance, and visual art brings alive stories of India’s heritage, its constitutional values, and the friendship shared with Oman.
“Every dance, every painting, every note of music tells a story of India’s spirit,” said Sivakumar, a long-term expatriate in Muscat. “Living away from home makes Republic Day even more meaningful. It brings the entire Indian community together under one flag.”
From embassy ceremonies to school programmes and artistic showcases, Republic Day in Oman is a reflection of India’s democratic ideals, rich cultural heritage, and the deep sense of belonging felt by its community abroad.
