Jaipur is gearing up for one of the biggest military spectacles India has ever opened to civilians. For the first time in 78 years, the Army Day Parade is stepping out of traditional cantonments and into the heart of a civilian area, making the Pink City the national stage of India’s military pride. The celebrations are not just a parade this year they are being curated as a grand public festival, complete with live displays, large-scale installations, and immersive experiences that bring the Indian Army closer to the people like never before.
Know your army event opens the celebrations
Leading up to the parade, a special Know Your Army equipment display is being held from 8 to 12 January 2026 at Shri Bhawani Niketan Mahavidyalaya, Jaipur. This four-day showcase offers the public a close look at advanced military technology, weapon systems, combat vehicles, communication equipment and field gear used by the Indian Army.
Chief guests on different days include
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on 8 January, Industries Minister Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (Retd) on 10 January, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on 11 January, and Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kishanrao Bagde on 12 January. Their presence adds political and ceremonial significance to the showcase.
Parade week schedule brings action to Mahal Road and SMS Stadium
From 9 to 15 January, a series of major events including Parade, Commander’s Parade, Chief of Staff’s Parade and GOC-in-C’s Parade are being held along Mahal Road, Jaipur. This marks the first time these rehearsals and ceremonies are happening in the heart of a city instead of a restricted military zone.The grand Army Day Parade itself is scheduled for 15 January from 10:00AM to 12:25PM at Mahal Road. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the stretch as elite units march, tanks and vehicles roll past, and fly-past manoeuvres light up the sky.
Shaurya sandhya adds power to the experience
The evening event Shaurya Sandhya on 10th and 15th January at SMS Stadium will be one of the most emotionally powerful attractions. The highlight is the dramatic enactment of Operation Sindoor, a significant and heroic military action that will be showcased live on stage with sound, lighting and battlefield choreography. This reenactment aims to give civilians a rare understanding of real combat situations and the courage of soldiers in action.
Statewide digital streaming planned for public participation
To ensure participation across Rajasthan, digital screening arrangements are being set up in gram panchayats and public spaces throughout the state. This makes the 78th Army Day celebrations not just a Jaipur event but a statewide moment of pride. People in remote regions will also be able to witness the parade and the Shaurya Sandhya display in real time.a historic milestone for the city and the country
Hosting the Army Day Parade outside cantonments for the first time is a symbolic step in bridging the gap between the military and the civilian population. Jaipur becomes the first city in history to open this national event to such large public access, transforming it into a cultural, patriotic and educational festival.