Published: 7 January 2026DD NewsRajasthan
Know Your Army Exhibition Inaugurated in Jaipur as Countdown Begins to 78th Army Day Parade
A four-day Know Your Army exhibition was inaugurated in Jaipur on January 8, 2026, as part of the build-up to India's 78th Army Day celebrations on January 15. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced that Jaipur would witness a grand Army Day Parade outside a military cantonment area for the first time in history, making it the fourth city outside Delhi to host this national event after Lucknow, Pune, and Bengaluru.
The exhibition was held at Bhawani Niketan College campus on Sikar Road from January 8 to 12 and showcased an array of military equipment including missiles, drones, tanks, and weapons systems used by the Indian Army. Interactive displays allowed visitors to understand the Army's operational preparedness, communication systems, and humanitarian assistance capabilities during natural disasters.
The 78th Army Day Parade was subsequently held on January 15, 2026 at Mahal Road, Jaipur, starting from Akshay Patra Circle and culminating at Bombay Hospital. The historic parade featured march-pasts by infantry regiments, display of indigenous defence equipment, aerial demonstrations, and motorcycle stunts by the Army's daredevil team. Over one lakh spectators witnessed the parade to witness the event.
Army Day is observed on January 15 every year to commemorate the appointment of General K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949. The decision to hold the parade in Jaipur recognised Rajasthan's significant contribution to India's military history through iconic regiments like the Rajputana Rifles and the Jat Regiment. Jaipur's selection was also seen as part of the armed forces' outreach strategy to bring military traditions closer to civilian populations across India.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss the historical significance of holding the 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur, and analyse Rajasthan's contribution to India's military traditions through its iconic regiments.
Answer (50 words):
On 8 January 2026, the Know Your Army exhibition opened at Bhawani Niketan College, Jaipur, preceding the 78th Army Day Parade on 15 January at Mahal Road — Army Day's first outside-cantonment edition, fourth city after Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru. Army Day marks General K.M. Cariappa's 1949 appointment; Rajputana Rifles personify Rajasthan's tradition.
6-axis classification
CoverageRajasthanSubjectRajasthanExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · PrelimsSourceDD News
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Linked questionEasy
Which city hosted the 78th Army Day Parade in January 2026, becoming only the fourth city outside Delhi to do so?
Explanation · Correct answer CJaipur hosted the 78th Army Day Parade on January 15, 2026 at Mahal Road, becoming the fourth city outside Delhi to host this national event.
Frequently asked questions
What was the 'Know Your Army' exhibition and when did it open in Jaipur?
The 'Know Your Army' exhibition opened in Jaipur on January 8, 2026, as a pre-event activity ahead of the 78th Army Day Parade on January 15. It showcased Indian Army equipment, technology, and career opportunities to strengthen public awareness about the Army's capabilities.
What is the theme of Army Day 2026?
The theme of Army Day 2026 is 'Year of Networking and Data Centricity.' This theme reflects the Indian Army's focus on leveraging modern communication networks and data-driven decision-making to enhance operational effectiveness.
Why was the 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur historically significant?
The 78th Army Day Parade on January 15, 2026 in Jaipur was historically significant as the first time an Army Day Parade was held outside a cantonment area in Rajasthan. This marked a major step in bringing the Army closer to the general public.
When is Army Day observed in India and what does it commemorate?
Army Day is observed every year on January 15 in India. It commemorates the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.
What was the purpose of the 'Know Your Army' exhibition for RAS aspirants and civilians?
The exhibition aimed to educate civilians, students, and aspirants about the Indian Army's equipment, technological capabilities, and career pathways. For RAS aspirants, understanding the Army's structure and national defence initiatives is relevant to general studies and interview preparation.
