On January 11, 2026 — a Sunday — a public rehearsal for the 78th Army Day Parade was held at Mahal Road, Jaipur, ahead of the main event on January 15. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma chaired a high-level review meeting with senior army officials and civil administration to finalise security, logistics, and public engagement arrangements. The parade on January 15 marked the first time in history that Army Day was celebrated outside an army cantonment and only the fourth time outside Delhi. The route runs from Akshay Patra Circle to Bombay Hospital on Mahal Road. The 'Know Your Army' exhibition continued at Bhawani Niketan College, Sikar Road, Jaipur (January 8–12), displaying modern weapons systems including drones, missile launchers, and armoured vehicles for public viewing. The event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma on January 15. Over one lakh spectators witnessed the parade. 'Shaurya Sandhya 2026' at SMS Stadium on January 15 featured a spectacular 1,000-drone light show and an enactment of Op Sindoor alongside performances of Kalaripayattu and Malkhamb. The decision to hold the parade in Rajasthan — a state sharing a 1,070 km border with Pakistan and possessing a centuries-old warrior tradition — carries deep strategic and symbolic significance.
78th Army Day Parade Rehearsal in Jaipur: CM Bhajanlal Sharma Reviews Preparations as City Hosts Historic First Outside Cantonment on January 15, 2026
On January 11, 2026 — a Sunday — a public rehearsal for the 78th Army Day Parade was held at Mahal Road, Jaipur, ahead of the main event on January 15. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma chaired a high-level review meeting with senior army officials and civil administration to finalise security, logistics, and public engagement arrangements. The parade on January 15 marked the first time in history that Army Day was celebrated outside an army cantonment and only the fourth time outside Delhi. The route runs from Akshay Patra Circle to Bombay Hospital on Mahal Road. The 'Know Your Army' exhibition continued at Bhawani Niketan College, Sikar Road, Jaipur (January 8–12), displaying modern weapons systems including drones, missile launchers, and armoured vehicles for public viewing. The event was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, and Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma on January 15. Over one lakh spectators witnessed the parade. 'Shaurya Sandhya 2026' at SMS Stadium on January 15 featured a spectacular 1,000-drone light show and an enactment of Op Sindoor alongside performances of Kalaripayattu and Malkhamb. The decision to hold the parade in Rajasthan — a state sharing a 1,070 km border with Pakistan and possessing a centuries-old warrior tradition — carries deep strategic and symbolic significance.
Key facts
- CM Bhajanlal Sharma reviewed the 78th Army Day Parade rehearsal at Mahal Road, Jaipur on January 11.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi attended the January 15 parade.
- 'Shaurya Sandhya 2026' at SMS Stadium featured a 1,000-drone light show and Operation Sindoor enactment.
- The 'Know Your Army' exhibition at Bhawani Niketan College displayed modern weapons and drones.
- Rajasthan shares a 1,070 km border with Pakistan, underscoring the event's strategic significance.
- Kalaripayattu and Malkhamb martial arts performances were part of the cultural programme.
Mains angle
Q: Why is hosting the 78th Army Day Parade on 15 January 2026 in Jaipur outside cantonment considered strategically and symbolically significant for Rajasthan?
Answer (50 words):
Jaipur hosted the 78th Army Day Parade on 15 January 2026 at Mahal Road — the first time outside an army cantonment and fourth outside Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi and CM Bhajanlal Sharma attended. Shaurya Sandhya featured a 1,000-drone show enacting Op Sindoor. Over one lakh witnessed.
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On which road in Jaipur was the 78th Army Day Parade held on January 15, 2026?
The article specifies that the 78th Army Day Parade route ran from Akshay Patra Circle to Bombay Hospital on Mahal Road, Jaipur — the first Army Day celebration held outside an army cantonment.
Frequently asked questions
What made the 78th Army Day Parade in Jaipur historically unique?
The 78th Army Day Parade held on January 15, 2026 in Jaipur was historically significant on two counts: it was the first time Army Day was celebrated outside an army cantonment anywhere in India, and only the fourth time it was held outside Delhi. The main parade route ran from Akshy Patra Circle to Bombay Hospital along Mahal Road.
Who attended the 78th Army Day Parade on January 15, 2026?
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi were among the senior dignitaries who attended the January 15, 2026 parade in Jaipur. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma had earlier chaired a high-level review meeting on January 11 to oversee security, logistics, and public engagement arrangements.
What was 'Shaurya Sandhya 2026' and where was it held?
'Shaurya Sandhya 2026' was a special evening cultural event held at SMS Stadium, Jaipur, on January 15. It featured a 1,000-drone light show and a live enactment of Operation Sindoor, showcasing the Indian Army's capabilities and heritage.
What is the strategic significance of Rajasthan hosting the Army Day Parade?
Rajasthan shares a 1,070 km border with Pakistan — one of the longest international borders of any Indian state. Hosting the Army Day Parade in Jaipur underscores Rajasthan's strategic importance in national security and highlights the deep bond between the army and the people of the border state.
What was the 'Know Your Army' exhibition and which martial arts were featured at the event?
The 'Know Your Army' exhibition was organised at Bhawani Niketan College on Sikar Road from January 8 to 12, displaying modern weapons, drones, and military equipment to the public. The cultural programme of the Army Day event featured performances of Kalaripayattu (Kerala's ancient martial art) and Malkhamb (traditional Indian gymnastic pole sport).
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