The Pink City witnessed a rare blend of military might, cutting-edge technology and vibrant culture as the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day in Jaipur, taking the grand parade out of Delhi and straight into the heart of Rajasthan.
The celebrations began on a solemn note at Prerna Sthal, where Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi laid wreaths to honour the nation’s fallen heroes. Senior officers from the Indian Air Force and Navy joined the tribute, reinforcing the spirit of jointness in India’s armed forces.
For the first time ever, the Army Day Parade was conducted outside a cantonment, transforming Mahal Road into a spectacular military arena. With this, Jaipur became the fourth city after Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune to host the prestigious parade, and the South Western Command hosted the event for the first time.
As the reviewing officer, General Upendra Dwivedi took the salute and awarded Sena Medals (Posthumous) to the Next of Kin of five Bravehearts, drawing emotional applause from the packed stands. More than one lakh citizens lined the route, turning the parade into a powerful symbol of public trust and pride in the Indian Army.
The march-past featured over 30 participating entities, including elite contingents from the MADRAS and RAJPUT Regiments, Regiment of Artillery, Scouts units and NCC Girls. Stealing the spotlight were the Bhairav Battalion contingents from RAJRIF and SIKH LI, making their debut as symbols of the Army’s transition towards lean, agile and high-impact warfare formations.
The sky roared in approval as LCH, ALH, WSI and Apache helicopters thundered overhead, while the participation of the Nepal Army Band added a diplomatic and cultural dimension, reflecting the deep-rooted military ties between India and Nepal.
On ground, the parade turned into a rolling exhibition of India’s growing indigenous combat power. From T-90 and Arjun tanks to BrahMos, Pinaka, ATAGS, Dhanush, Akash air defence systems, robotic mules, armed drones and counter-UAS platforms, the display showcased the Army’s preparedness for future battlefields. Several systems that proved their mettle during Op Sindoor were also part of the showcase.
Precision motorcycle stunts, disciplined Army Canine displays, and thematic tableaux on Operation Sindoor and the Army’s Decade of Transformation kept spectators enthralled. Adding local colour, Rajasthan’s Kalbelia and Gair folk dances and the thunderous Chenda performance by the MADRAS Regiment highlighted India’s cultural diversity.
Addressing the occasion, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi underlined the Army’s transformation into a future-ready, technology-enabled and self-reliant force, stressing that indigenisation is now a strategic necessity and technology exists to empower — not replace — the soldier.
The celebrations culminated with a grand Shaurya Sandhya at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, attended by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, the Governor and Chief Minister of Rajasthan, senior military leaders and thousands of citizens. The evening featured a 1,000-drone show, enactment of Op Sindoor, traditional martial arts and the inauguration of Naman Centres, leaving Jaipur illuminated with patriotism long after the final salute.
Army Day 2026 in Jaipur was not just a parade — it was a powerful message of resolve, readiness and rising national strength