On January 15, 2026, the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day with a historic parade in Jaipur, Rajasthan — the fourth time the Army Day Parade was held outside Delhi and the first time it was conducted outside a cantonment area, at Mahal Road through the heart of the Pink City. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, led the ceremony with CDS General Anil Chauhan laying wreaths at Prerna Sthal. Over one lakh spectators witnessed tanks, missiles, drone technology, Army helicopter fly-pasts, and cultural performances including Kalbelia and Gair folk dances. In the evening, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma graced the Shaurya Sandhya event, which featured a 1,000-drone light show and an enactment of Operation Sindoor.
78th Army Day Parade Held in Jaipur for First Time Outside Delhi
India's 78th Army Day Parade was held in Jaipur on January 15, 2026 — a historic first outside a cantonment — featuring tanks, drones, folk dances, and the Shaurya Sandhya event with a 1,000-drone show.
Key facts
- India's 78th Army Day Parade was held in Jaipur on January 15, 2026 — a historic first outside a cantonment.
- Tanks, drones and modern military equipment were showcased along Mahal Road, Jaipur.
- The evening 'Shaurya Sandhya' event featured a spectacular 1,000-drone choreographed light show.
- Rajasthani folk dances were part of the cultural performances celebrating the state's heritage.
- Army Day commemorates Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa's assumption of command in 1949.
- The event symbolises the Army's initiative to connect with citizens beyond military cantonments.
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Which Chief of the Army Staff led the 78th Army Day ceremony at Jaipur in January 2026?
General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, led the 78th Army Day ceremony at Jaipur, while CDS General Anil Chauhan laid wreaths at Prerna Sthal during the historic event.
Source: PIB / DD News
Frequently asked questions
On which date was India's 78th Army Day Parade held, and what made its location historically significant?
The 78th Army Day Parade was held on January 15, 2026 in Jaipur — marking the first time in India's history that Army Day Parade was held outside a military cantonment.
Who is commemorated on Army Day, and why is January 15 chosen as the date?
Army Day commemorates Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army on January 15, 1949, taking over command from British General Sir Francis Butcher.
What was the 'Shaurya Sandhya' event at the Jaipur Army Day, and what spectacle was featured?
'Shaurya Sandhya' was the evening cultural event held alongside the parade, featuring a spectacular choreographed light show using 1,000 drones that illuminated the Jaipur skyline.
What is the strategic and symbolic significance of holding Army Day Parade in Jaipur, Rajasthan?
Jaipur is a gateway city to Rajasthan, which shares a long border with Pakistan. Holding the parade here is strategically symbolic — it highlights the region's defence importance and the Army's close ties with Rajasthan's martial heritage.
What types of military equipment were displayed along Mahal Road during the 78th Army Day Parade?
The parade featured tanks, drones, and modern military equipment displayed along Mahal Road, Jaipur — showcasing India's defence capabilities to the civilian public for the first time outside a cantonment setting.
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