In a historic first, the Pink City of Jaipur will be the proud host of the Indian Army's 78th Army Day Parade on January 15, 2026. The grand military spectacle, traditionally held in the capital, marks a significant shift as it moves to a civilian area, promising unprecedented public access to the nation's defence prowess.
Parade Details and Public Accessibility
Lieutenant General Manjinder Singh, Commander of the Sapta Shakti Command, made the official announcement during a curtain raiser ceremony at JECRC University. He confirmed that the parade will be held at Jagatpura Mahal Road, breaking from tradition to allow citizens to witness the event directly. The parade will be a formidable display of India's military might, featuring a thrilling fly-past by fighter aircraft and helicopters, marching contingents, and demonstrations of cutting-edge drone technology and modern warfare capabilities.
Adding to the international and inclusive flavour, the event will see participation from the Nepal Army band and a dedicated women's contingent. The parade will also showcase mounted equipment and dynamic martial arts displays, offering a comprehensive view of army valour and discipline.
Shaurya Sandhya and Know Your Army Exhibition
Complementing the main parade is the 'Shaurya Sandhya' evening, scheduled at the SMS Stadium with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest. This event will be a cultural tribute to bravery, featuring a play reenacting 'Operation Sindoor', more martial arts displays, and a special segment honouring Veer Naris (war widows).
A major highlight will be a grand light and sound show, including a display of 1,000 drones using modern technology to depict the army's history and the specifics of Operation Sindoor. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced that the evening will also see the release of a first-day cover and the honouring of martyrs' families. Plans are underway to digitally broadcast this event to an estimated 14,000 village councils across the country.
Interactive Public Engagement
Prior to the main events, the army will engage directly with citizens through an exhibition titled 'Know Your Army'. This interactive display will be open to the public at the Bhawani Institute from January 8 to 12, 2026. Visitors can look forward to hands-on experiences with missile and bomb simulators, as well as demonstrations of how the army operates in diverse terrains.
The central attraction across all events will be the public debut of the latest equipment used in Operation Sindoor, a significant military operation. This showcase underscores the Indian Army's technological advancement and operational readiness, making the 78th Army Day in Jaipur a landmark event for both the armed forces and the nation.
