The Singapore spirit was on full display at the National Stadium on Aug 9, 2026. Around 42,000 spectators covered the arena in hues of red and white to celebrate the country’s 61st birthday.
The energy was electric. People cheered with their thundersticks and enthusiastically waved the national flag as they waited for this year’s National Day Parade (NDP) to begin.
The show’s five hosts rallied up the crowds with local trivia quizzes and multiple rounds of the Kallang Wave, where the audience stood and raised their arms in a rapid, continuous ripple across the stands.
For many in attendance, it was their first time watching the parade in person.
Mdm Vantana Agarwal, 64, and her husband, Mr Rakesh Kumar, 67, spent nearly 20 years trying to ballot for NDP tickets. They managed to secure four tickets this year, and brought along their 5-year-old grandson and their helper.
“We’ve never experienced it (NDP) live before. We’re excited to see the State Flag Flypast, the fireworks, and just the overall vibe is so nice,” Mdm Vantana said.
In previous years, the couple usually celebrated National Day with watch parties at home. They also looked out for interesting places where the whole family can gather to take in the crowd-favourite NDP fireworks.
“Watching the fireworks with the children has always been our to-do thing on National Day,” Mdm Vanatana added.
This year’s parade was held indoors, which meant that the audience there were not able to view a large part of the much-anticipated outdoor fireworks segment that closed the show, except for those seated towards the stadium’s West Opening.
Other NDP staples such as the mobile columns, aerial displays by the Singapore Armed Forces Parachute Team (Red Lions), and fighter jet flyovers were not included in this year’s programme lineup due to safety and operational concerns.
“That’s quite a disappointment actually,” said Ms Hazeenah Bee, a spectator who had greatly wanted to see the Red Lions in action. “But there are other things to look forward to, like the floats,” she noted.
An example was the People’s Parade – a colourful procession of 18 thematically designed floats that paid tribute to everyday Singaporeans who protect, provide, create, build, care for others, and uphold justice.
Ms Hazeenah was joined by her best friend of over three decades, Ms Pricilla Rajinee Devi. The pair, who both turned 50 this year, wanted to commemorate their milestone birthdays by attending NDP for the first time.
“We have grown up kids, but we left the kids, and we are here,” Ms Pricilla quipped.
Jokes aside, she noted that “Singapore means unity, cohesion and all races coming together. Our multiculturalism is our uniqueness.”
Her sentiment was exemplified by Ms Jahnavi Rao, 21, who experienced her first NDP with her boyfriend, Mr Liang Rong Lim, 23, and his sister’s family – namely, her husband and two young children.
The two university students have been in a relationship since they met online two years ago, Ms Jahnavi told tabla!
The group of six looked forward to the various stage performances and live music.
Mr Lim’s sister was especially excited for the NDP 2026 fun packs, designed by artists with disabilities, while his nephew was eager to catch the drones in the parade’s largest lighting production to date.
When asked what Singapore mean to them, the group heartwarmingly said: “Home”.
For Mr Gregory Vijayendran, 58, a senior counsel, and his wife, Ms Patricia Vijayendran, 57, a clinical counsellor, Singapore represents home too.
“I think it is really lovely to have all of us sing the songs together, and celebrate Singapore together,” Ms Patricia said.
She had been to NDP once before, about 16 years ago, while her husband basked in the vibrant stadium atmosphere for the first time.
“I am really looking forward to everything. And the chance to be able to sing, to see the fireworks, and to really enjoy the history of Singapore in a nutshell,” Mr Gregory explained.
The NDP 2026 show was divided into six thematic chapters tracing Singapore’s history, culture, and future, organised under the theme “Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!”.
A standout was Sushma Soma’s Karnatik ode to Singapore in Chapter Three, which depicted the country’s maritime heritage and connections.
The singer’s soulful vocals enthralled the entire stadium, while larger-than-life puppets of marine animals appeared alongside her to create an underwater and seafaring spectacle.
The next chapter showcased six decades of television history, during which Gurmit Singh reprised his most famous role as Phua Chu Kang and Udaya Soundari performed a rendition of the theme song from the Vasantham police drama Vettai.
Beyond the performances, the parade also served as a wonderful bonding experience.
“For me, it’s so special because I get to come with my son,” said Ms Pritika Chandiramani, 49, a teacher at Nexus International School.
Her son, Mr Tanishq Chandiramani, 19, a Temasek Polytechnic student, had witnessed the parade in the past as part of the annual National Education (NE) show, where Primary 5 students from local schools are invited to preview the event.
However, he almost missed out on this year’s NDP tickets until his father reminded him.
“I completely forgot about it. I remember balloting for the tickets on the last day before the system had closed and I was lucky enough to get two,” Mr Tanishq said.
He brought his mother, who had never been to NDP before.
“I have been in Singapore for 30 years, and this is the first time I’m here. It means so much to me. Finally, this feels like home!” Ms Pritika explained.
