Indian Army Celebrates 78th Army Day with Spectacular Parade in Jaipur.
Jaipur:
The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day on 15th January 2026 with grand festivities and a spectacular parade at Mahal Road, Jaipur in Rajasthan state, marking the fourth time the Army Day Parade has been hosted outside Delhi. This year’s event, organized by the South Western Command, brought the parade to the heart of Jaipur city for the first time, starting from Akshay Patra Circle and culminating at Bombay Hospital.
The celebrations began with a Wreath Laying Ceremony at Prerna Sthal, where General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, and General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), paid tribute to soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Air Vice Marshal M Bandhopadhyay and Commodore P Verma also laid wreaths on behalf of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. During this solemn ceremony, the COAS presented Sena Medals (Posthumous) for Gallantry to the next of kin of five brave soldiers.
Over one lakh spectators gathered to witness the parade, demonstrating the deep bond between the Indian Army and the people. General Upendra Dwivedi, acting as the Reviewing Officer, took the salute during the impressive march-past, which featured over 30 entities and seven distinguished marching contingents representing regimental centers including Madras Regimental Centre, Rajput Regimental Centre, Regiment of Artillery, Mixed Scouts Contingent, and NCC Girls Contingent. For the first time, Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI participated, highlighting the Army’s strategic focus on modern, agile, and rapid-response warfare.
The parade also featured a fly-past by Army helicopters including LCH, ALH, WSI, and APACHE, as well as vehicle-mounted formations, heavy armour, and cutting-edge military technology. The display included T-90 tanks, BMP-2, Arjun tanks, SMERCH, K-9 VAJRA, GRAD BM rockets, Dhanush, ATAGS, DIVYASTRA, ULRS, upgraded SHILKA and SHAKTIBAAN systems, along with drones, RPAs, and unmanned aerial systems. The showcase highlighted the Army’s technological edge, modernization, and preparedness for contemporary warfare, emphasizing indigenization and Atmanirbharta.
Adding to the spectacle, the parade included motorcycle displays, army canine demonstrations, and thematic tableaus highlighting operations like Op Sindoor, the Army’s Decade of Transformation, and new-generation equipment. Cultural performances by the Kalbelia and Gair folk dancers of Rajasthan and the Chenda Cultural Display Team from Madras Regiment highlighted India’s rich heritage and reinforced the Army’s connection with the public.
The Nepal Army Band also participated, symbolizing strong India-Nepal defence relations and centuries-old military camaraderie. Military bands from Sikh Regimental Centre, Dogra Regimental Centre, Maratha LI Regimental Centre, BEG Centre, Artillery Regimental Centre, EME Centre, and a mixed NCC band performed, adding grandeur to the occasion.
Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted the Army’s transformation into a future-ready, technologically empowered force, stressing the importance of networking, data-centric operations, and indigenous weapon systems. He affirmed that technology is designed to empower soldiers, not replace them, while strengthening dual-use infrastructure and innovation.
Later in the day, Shaurya Sandhya will be organized, graced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, General Upendra Dwivedi, and other senior dignitaries. The evening event will feature a 1,000-drone show, enactment of Op Sindoor, martial arts displays including Kalaripayattu and Malkhamb, unveiling of First Day Cover, and inauguration of “Naman Centres”, while also honoring the next of kin of brave soldiers.
The 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur successfully showcased the Indian Army’s combat readiness, technological advancement, and strong bond with the people, reinforcing its role as a modern, agile, and self-reliant force protecting the nation.
