The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day at Jaipur, Rajasthan, on January 15, 2026. The parade commenced with a Wreath Laying ceremony at the Prerna Sthal, where General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff; General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Air Vice Marshal M Bandhopadhyay and Commodore P Verma also laid the wreath on behalf of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
This marks the fourth occasion that the Army Day Parade was held outside Delhi, following the decision to bring this event to other parts of the country. It was for the first time that the Parade was conducted outside army cantonment, at the heart of the city at Mahal Road, Jaipur, starting from Akshay Patra Circle and culminating at Bombay Hospital. South Western Command has hosted parade for the first time, after being conducted in Bangalore, Lucknow & Pune since 2023.
General Upendra Dwivedi, as the Reviewing Officer, took the salute during the spectacular parade. The event at Mahal Road, Jaipur started with solemn ceremony wherein the Chief of the Army Staff presented Sena Medal (Posthomous) for Gallantry to five Next of Kins of Brave hearts who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
The Army Day Parade was witnessed by over one lakh cheering spectators, whose enthusiastic participation reflected the strong bond of trust and pride between the Indian Army and the people. The vibrant turnout added immense energy to the celebrations and reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering support for its soldiers. The parade demonstrated the Army’s use of next generation technology for future battlefield. It underscored the Army’s continued focus on leveraging indigenous solutions and staying ahead of global military trends, ensuring its preparedness to protect the nation through technological advancements.
The parade featured over 30 entities participating in an impressive march-past with seven distinguished marching contingents, representing various Regimental Centers, including MADRAS Regimental Centre, RAJPUT Regimental Centre, Regiment of Artillery, Mixed Scouts Contingent and a NCC Girls Contingent. In a remarkable first, two special contingents participated in the parade, the Bhairav Battalion Contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI, symbolising the Indian Army’s strategic shift towards modern, agile and lethal warfare capabilities, specifically designed for rapid, high-impact operations along its borders. These contingents reflected Bhairav Battalions as a “lean and mean” force representing lndia’s resolve to “fight smarter and strike faster” in the modern battlefield. A fly-past by Army helicopters such as LCH, ALH, WSI and APACHE aircrafts further enhanced the grandeur of the parade.
The Nepal Army Band was part of the military bands participating in the parade, reflecting the deep-rooted bonds of friendship, mutual trust and shared military traditions between the two armies. Their participation symbolised enduring cultural ties and close cooperation, while underscoring the spirit of camaraderie and partnership that continues to strengthen India-Nepal defence relations.
The Army Day Parade also witnessed performance by seven Military Bands. The military bands included teams from various regimental centers, including the SIKH Regimental Centre, DOGRA Regimental Centre, MARATHA LI Regimental Centre, BEG Centre, Artillery Regimental Centre, EME Centre and a mixed band of NCC Boys and Girls.
The 78th Army Day Parade also witnessed an impressive array of vehicle mounted contingents, equipment and cutting-edge technologies, showcasing the Indian Army’s advancements and preparedness for modern warfare. These formations presented a rare opportunity for the public to witness the advanced weaponry and military technology that empowers the Indian Army in safeguarding the nation. The parade presented a powerful showcase of the Army’s modern combat punch and technological edge, featuring heavy armour and mechanised platforms such as T-90 tanks, BMP-2 and Arjun tanks, backed by high-impact firepower including SMERCH, K-9 VAJRA, GRAD BM rockets, Dhanush, ATAGS, DIVYASTRA and ULRS alongside air-defence and force-protection capabilities like the upgraded SCHILKA and SHAKTIBAAN. It also highlighted mobility and autonomy with All Terrain Vehicles and Robotic Mules, rapid-response fire support through Vehicle-Based Infantry Mortar Systems, precision strike weapon systems such as MILAN missile launchers and next-generation unmanned capabilities including Prabal C-UAS (vehicle-based and man-portable), aerial target systems, drone jamming and spoofer systems with Bhairav Battalions and a range of RPAs to include Switch UAV, Sanjay, Pralay and Baaz armed drones, besides other drone platforms mounted on HMVs. Further adding operational relevance, weapon and equipment systems employed in Op Sindoor, such as, BRAHMOS, PINAKA, ULH M777, AKASH weapon system, medium range surface to air missiles, L-70 guns, Special Mobility Vehicles (SMV), Quick reaction force vehicles also formed part of the parade.
The event also drew loud applause for the Motorcycle Display, where Army riders executed precision manoeuvres and disciplined formations, reflecting exceptional skill, teamwork and control. Adding to the spectacle, the Army Canine Display showcased highly trained dogs demonstrating obedience and operational drills, highlighting their vital role in security tasks, search operations and mission support.
The parade also featured thematic tableaus that underscored the Indian Army’s focus on technology absorption and nation-building, highlighting Op Sindoor, the Army’s Decade of Transformation initiatives and a range of new-generation equipment. A second tableau, presented by the Lalit Kala Academy for Government of Rajasthan, showcased Cultural heritage and landscapes of Rajasthan.
The parade also witnessed vibrant cultural performances, including the Kalbelia and Gair folk dances by artists from Rajasthan, along with a captivating display by the Chenda Cultural display Team from the MADRAS Regiment, which mesmerised the audience and added rich regional colour to the celebrations, reflecting India’s diverse heritage and the Army’s strong bond with the people.
The Chief of Army Staff during the Army Day celebrations in Jaipur reflected the strong bond between the Army and the people and honoured soldiers, veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. He highlighted the Indian Army’s transformation into a future-ready force driven by agility technology and self-reliance with new structures and units tailored for emerging challenges. Emphasising Atmanirbharta he said indigenisation is now a strategic necessity with Made in India weapon systems and equipment on display. He noted that the Army is strengthening dual-use infrastructure and innovation and announced that the coming years will focus on networking and data centricity to improve connectivity information flow and decision-making while reaffirming that technology is meant to empower the soldier not replace him.
Later in the day, Shaurya Sandhya will be organised and will be graced by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister, Rajasthan, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff and other senior military and civil dignitaries. The event is expected to be witnessed by a large number of local residents. During the
programme, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri will unveil the ‘First Day Cover’, and inaugurate numerous “Naman Centres” virtually. He will also felicitate the Next of Kin of Bravehearts. Shaurya Sandhya will feature an enactment of Op Sindoor and a spectacular 1,000 drones show, besides traditional martial arts Kalaripayattu and Malkhamb performances.
(Source: PIB)
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