Jaipur Hosts the 78th Indian Army Day Parade

JAIPUR, January 15, 2026 —

In a historic "first," the Pink City of Jaipur today traded its traditional colors for olive green. Breaking a decades-long tradition of holding celebrations within restricted military bases, the main 78th Army Day Parade was held on the public Mahal Road in Jagatpura.

The event marked a significant shift in how the Indian Army connects with the nation, bringing the thunder of tanks and the roar of fighter jets directly to a crowd of over 1.5 lakh citizens who lined the 3-kilometre parade route.

A Battlefield on the Boulevard

The parade was a massive display of India's military evolution, focusing on the theme "Year of Networking and Data Centricity." For the first time, city residents saw cutting-edge technology usually reserved for the borders:

• The Debut of the "Bhairav Battalion": This newly raised unit made its first public appearance. Trained for "hybrid warfare," these soldiers specialize in using drones to target enemy bases, bridging the gap between regular infantry and Special Forces.

• Armored Might: The T-90 Bhishma and the indigenous Arjun tank led the mechanised columns, followed by the BrahMos supersonic missile—one of the world's most feared weapons.

• The Sky Spectacle: The sky above Mahal Road was filled with Apache attack helicopters, the indigenous Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter), and Dhruv and Rudra choppers. In a thrilling surprise, Jaguar fighter jets from the Bikaner airbase performed a low-level flypast.

• Future Tech: The Army showcased swarm drones, robotic mules (robo-dogs), and the Sapper Scout unmanned ground vehicle, proving that the future of Indian defense is digital.

"Know Your Army": Beyond the Parade

The celebrations weren't just a one-day show. To truly "bring the Army to the citizens," several events were held across the city:

• The Mela: At the Shri Bhawani Niketan Campus, a 5-day "Know Your Army" exhibition allowed students and families to touch the equipment, watch dog squad demonstrations, and even see paragliding teams in action.

• Shaurya Sandhya: A "Valour Evening" was organized at the SMS Stadium, featuring a 1,000-drone light show and cultural performances like the local Kalbelia dance, blending Rajasthan's heritage with military pride.

• Global Friendship: In a nod to international ties, the Nepal Army Band marched alongside Indian contingents, celebrating years of defense cooperation.

Honoring the Brave

The morning began on an emotional note at the Prerna Sthal. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presented Sena Medals for gallantry. In a touching moment, the mother of a fallen soldier, Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar, received his posthumous award, symbolizing the immense sacrifice behind the uniforms.

Event Summary at a Glance

The 78th Army Day in Jaipur has set a new precedent. By moving from the "Cantonment to the City," the Indian Army has reinforced its bond with the people, turning a military ceremony into a shared national festival.