January 15, 2026 | Jaipur, Rajasthan
78th Army Day Celebrations Underway
09:00 IST: The 78th Army Day Parade has officially commenced on Mahal Road, Jagatpura in Jaipur. This year’s event marks a historic first, the parade is being held on a public route outside military cantonment limits, bringing the Army closer to citizens than ever before.
09:05 IST: Senior dignitaries including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other top military leadership are present to witness the parade.
09:10 IST: The parade began with a cavalry and infantry contingent marching past the salute dais, followed by display columns featuring modern mechanised systems and defence equipment.
09:15 IST: The newly raised Bhairav Battalion made its first public appearance, showcasing the Army’s strategic focus on new-age operations and capabilities.
09:20 IST: Spectators, families, students and defence enthusiasts, have lined both sides of the road. Traffic diversions remain fully in place in central Jaipur due to the parade and parallel events across the city.
09:30 IST: As part of the parade sequence, artillery guns, mobile air defence systems, infantry combat vehicles, and unmanned systems are being showcased, highlighting the Army’s combat prowess and readiness.
09:35 IST: Remote viewers can watch the parade live, the Indian Army’s official livestream continues to broadcast proceedings nationwide.
09:40 IST: Audience reports indicate bike stunts and precision displays by Army personnel adding flair to the parade.
09:45 IST: Audience seating and block arrangements, divided into 52 blocks for crowd management, are helping orderly viewing along the parade route.
10:00 IST: The parade continues with multiple contingents, cultural elements reflecting Indian heritage, and military prowess. Live stream remains available for viewers across the country.
10:05 IST: A crowd favourite moment, the Indian Army’s K9 dog squad marched in style, with the canine warriors wearing sunglasses and custom gear, drawing laughter and applause from spectators.
10:10 IST: Military might on display, BrahMos missiles, Bhishma tanks, and other advanced platforms are paraded in the presence of top officials and thousands of spectators
10:15 IST: The parade route continues to thrill with combat drones, all-terrain vehicles and robotic systems demonstrated as part of the Army’s futuristic strategy.
10:20 IST: Civilian onlookers cheer as all-girls NCC contingent and paratroopers perform precision drills highlighting discipline and youth participation.
10:25 IST: The newly raised Bhairav Battalion, tailored for modern warfare, makes a strong public debut, reflecting Indian Army’s shift to next-generation combat units.
10:30 IST: Five heroes from Operation Sindoor and counter-terror operations are posthumously awarded the Veerta Sena Medal, presented in the presence of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, a solemn and emotional moment.
10:35 IST: The parade route remains fully open for spectators as roadblocks and traffic restrictions in central Jaipur continue to manage large crowds.
10:40 IST: Mechanical columns including T-90 tanks, M777 howitzers, air defence missile systems and integrated drone detection units continue to pass, showcasing India’s indigenous defence capabilities and self-reliance.
10:45 IST: The celebration emphasizes not just military hardware but cultural pride, with the Madras Regiment performing a traditional warrior dance, blending heritage with modern force display.
10:50 IST: Spectators take photos and videos as scout units from Garhwal, Sikkim and Arunachal march in full combat gear, representing India’s diverse regional forces.
10:55 IST: The Army Day Parade showcases a strong emphasis on technology and future readiness, with drones and robotic reconnaissance units drawing special attention.
Key Highlights of the 78th Army Day Parade, Jaipur
- The 78th Army Day Parade was held on Mahal Road, Jagatpura, Jaipur, marking a historic first as the event took place on a public route outside military cantonment limits.
- The parade showcased the Indian Army’s combat readiness, technological advancement, and operational strength, drawing thousands of citizens along the route.
- Senior leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff, attended the celebrations.
- Advanced military assets such as T-90 tanks, BrahMos missiles, artillery systems, combat drones, robotic platforms, and air defence equipment were displayed.
- The newly raised Bhairav Battalion made its first public appearance, highlighting the Army’s focus on modern and future warfare.
- A special highlight was the Army dog squad, whose disciplined march captured public attention and applause.
- Cultural performances like the Madras Regiment’s warrior dance reflected India’s rich military heritage.
- NCC contingents, women soldiers, and youth formations reinforced the message of inclusivity and national participation.
- The parade blended military precision with public engagement, bringing the Army closer to civilians than ever before.
Main Theme of the Parade
The central theme of the 78th Army Day Parade was “Connecting the Army with the Nation.”
By moving the parade out of a traditional cantonment and onto a public city route, the Indian Army aimed to:
- Strengthen civil-military bonding
- Showcase transparency, accessibility, and pride in national defence
- Demonstrate readiness for future warfare through technology, innovation, and indigenous capabilities
- Reinforce the Army’s role as a people’s force, rooted in discipline, sacrifice, and service to the nation
The parade reflected the Indian Army’s evolution into a modern, technology-driven, and citizen-centric force, while staying deeply connected to its legacy of courage and sacrifice.
Context & Background
- The parade celebrates Army Day, commemorating the day in 1949 when Lt. Gen. K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
- Jaipur hosting this year’s main event, for the first time outside a cantonment area, reflects a renewed emphasis on connecting the defence forces with the public.