Jaipur's Mahal Road Swells with Over 1 Lakh People for 78th Army Day Parade
Jaipur witnessed an overwhelming wave of patriotism on Thursday. More than a lakh people gathered on Mahal Road to watch the 78th Army Day Parade. From as early as 7am, the venue was packed with excited families, children, and senior citizens. Everyone was eager to witness the pride and power of the Indian Army.
Children's Enthusiasm Lights Up the Event
The enthusiasm was clearly visible among the children. Ten-year-old Pihu Mehra closely followed the rehearsals before the big day. She said, "I love watching parades. I watch the Republic Day parade on television every year, and I also came to see the practice sessions here. Watching the real parade today is amazing." Her father, Rajesh Mehra, noted that Pihu showed the same excitement during the full-dress rehearsals. "She waits eagerly to see the soldiers and their formations. It makes us happy to see her so inspired by the army," he shared.
Electric Atmosphere with Slogans and Performances
As soon as the army troops and armoured vehicles moved past the crowd, the atmosphere turned electric. Loud slogans of "Jai Hind" and "Indian Army Zindabad" filled the air. The Rajasthan tableau and the colourful Kalbeliya dance performance won loud applause from the spectators.
Emotional Moments for Army Families
For Army families, the occasion was deeply emotional. Kusum Sharma, wife of Brigadier Sanjay Sharma, travelled from Himachal Pradesh to witness the parade. She explained, "My husband prepared for this day for the last 2 months. We saw some of the rehearsals earlier, but today is very special for us." Kusum came to Jaipur along with her two sisters to share in this proud moment.
Inspiration Across Generations
Several children dressed in Army uniforms were seen saluting the soldiers during the parade. Senior citizens were equally moved by the display. Ramswaroop Mishra, 63, expressed his feelings, "The army has done so much for this country. We are fortunate to witness this parade today. Such events help the younger generation understand the sacrifices of our soldiers." Manju Goyal, whose son is serving in the Indian Army, added, "For us, this is a moment of pride and peace. Because of our soldiers, we are able to live safely in this country."
Excitement Lingers After the Parade
Even after the parade ended, the excitement continued throughout Jaipur. Outside Viva City Mall, people stood in long queues. They wanted to catch one last glimpse of the soldiers and their tanks as they moved away from the venue. The patriotic spirit remained strong long after the official events concluded.
