Jaipur Hosts Historic 78th Army Day Parade as Indian Army Takes Celebrations to City Streets
For the first time in its long and proud history, the Indian Army has taken its Army Day Parade out of the cantonment and into the heart of a city. On January 15, 2026, Jaipur hosted the 78th Army Day Parade along Mahal Road in Jagatpura, turning one of Rajasthan’s busiest urban corridors into a powerful display of India’s military strength, technological progress, and respect for its soldiers.
The move marked a major shift in how the Army connects with the public. Traditionally held within secure military zones, the parade was opened to ordinary citizens this year, allowing people to witness the nation’s defence capabilities up close. More than 1.5 lakh spectators gathered along the three-kilometre route, making it one of the largest public Army Day events ever held in India.
Why Army Day Matters in India
Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to mark a landmark moment in Indian military history. On this day in 1949, Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, taking over from the last British officer. Since then, the day has been dedicated to honouring soldiers, celebrating military professionalism, and remembering those who laid down their lives for the country.
Over the decades, Army Day parades have been held at cantonments in cities such as Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru and Lucknow. This year’s decision to host the event on public roads in Jaipur reflects the Army’s effort to bring its traditions closer to the people it serves.
A city transformed into a military showcase
Mahal Road in Jagatpura was transformed into a ceremonial avenue as marching contingents, armoured vehicles and advanced weapon systems moved through the city. The parade route stretched from Jeevan Rekha Hospital crossing to Bombay Hospital crossing, with traffic diversions and 18 dedicated parking zones arranged to manage the crowd.
Among those present were senior defence officials, decorated officers, and government representatives. Mizoram Governor V. K. Singh attended as the chief guest, while Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and top Army commanders watched from the main enclosure.
The parade opened with a solemn moment as gallantry awards, including posthumous Sena Medals, were presented to families of soldiers who lost their lives in Operation Sindoor. The ceremony underlined that behind every display of military power lies personal sacrifice.
A deeply emotional scene unfolded when the mother of Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar, who was killed in the operation, fainted while receiving her son’s medal. Army officials quickly came to her assistance, and she was taken to hospital for medical care.
New Bhairav Battalion makes public debut
One of the most watched moments of the parade was the first public appearance of the Bhairav Battalion, a newly raised combat unit created as part of the Army’s recent restructuring.
Positioned between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry units, the Bhairav Battalion has been designed for fast, high-impact operations in modern conflict environments. The unit is trained to handle drone-enabled warfare, hybrid threats, and multi-domain operations, reflecting how battles are evolving globally.
As the battalion marched past with painted faces and a powerful war cry, it symbolised a new chapter in India’s military doctrine—one that blends traditional infantry skills with advanced technology and rapid-response capability.
A senior officer from the unit explained that modern conflicts are no longer fought in just one dimension. “Today’s warfare is hybrid in nature. Technology, drones and new operational thinking are essential. The Bhairav units have been created to meet these changing challenges,” he said.
Missiles, drones and helicopters in action
The Jaipur parade offered a rare public look at some of India’s most important military assets. Heavy systems such as the BrahMos cruise missile and the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher rolled down the city road, drawing cheers from the crowd.
The Army also showcased upgraded rocket systems, air defence platforms and modern artillery, including the Akashteer and Igla missile systems. Several types of kamikaze and loitering drones, such as Mini Harpy, Harop, Sky Striker and Trinetra, highlighted the growing role of unmanned technology on the battlefield.
Above the parade route, Apache attack helicopters performed manoeuvres that demonstrated how the Army can support ground forces from the air, giving spectators a dramatic glimpse of combat-ready aviation power.
A parade led by heroes
Adding to the pride of the occasion, the march was led by officers who have received India’s highest military honours, including the Ashok Chakra, Param Vir Chakra and Mahavir Chakra. Their presence brought a strong reminder that bravery and leadership remain at the heart of the Army, even as technology transforms warfare.
Veterans and Veer Naris were also honoured during the programme, reinforcing the Army’s commitment to recognising both service and sacrifice across generations.
A new way to connect with the nation
By bringing Army Day to Jaipur’s streets, the Indian Army sent a clear message: national defence is not distant from everyday life, but closely linked to the people it protects. The open-air parade allowed families, students and ordinary citizens to experience the Army’s discipline, professionalism and evolving capabilities firsthand.
As India faces a complex security environment shaped by new technologies and global uncertainties, the 78th Army Day Parade showed how the Army is preparing for the future while remaining rooted in tradition. With more public engagement expected in coming years, the historic Jaipur event may well become a model for how the armed forces celebrate their legacy and connect with the country.
