Army Day 2026: This City Hosts Its First-Ever Public Parade Outside Cantonment Area

Jaipur will etch its name into military history On January 15, Army Day.  Army Day has been celebrated annually since 1949 to honor General K.M. Cariappa taking command.This year represents a paradigm shift. Moving beyond the traditional barracks of Bengaluru, Lucknow, or Pune. The 2026 Indian army day parade is a public spectacle designed to bring the Indian Army’s prowess directly to the citizens of Rajasthan.

Army Day Parade 2026
📍Mahal Road, Jaipur | 15 Jan 2026

The Pink City is Ready. 🇮🇳#LtGenManjinderSingh, #ArmyCommander, #SaptaShaktiCommand, took the salute during the successful Full Dress Rehearsal of the 78th Army Day Parade 2026 conducted on 13th January 2026, marking a… pic.twitter.com/yggKbMrXsd

— SouthWesternCommand_IA (@SWComd_IA) January 13, 2026

Also Read: What is the Bhairav Commando Battalion?

A Historic Shift: From Cantonments to Civilian Spaces

The Sapta Shakti Command (South Western Command)  has undertaken to manage an estimated 8 lakh civilians on 15 January in Jaipur. The  event mimics the Republic Day format. It aims to foster a deeper emotional and patriotic bond between the armed forces and the youth, allows unrestricted public viewing,

Key Highlights

The event is set to be a blend of traditional grit and futuristic technology. Here are the major attractions:

• Debut of the Bhairav Battalion: Debut of Bhairab Battalion on the Army Day parade is a major talking point of the Army’s recent restructuring. These units occupy the strategic space between Special Forces and regular Infantry, specialized for rapid, precision offensive operations, maneuvering across hostile  terrains and applying modern battlefield 

• Introduction of AH-64E Apache Helicopters: The AH-64E Apache attack helicopterswill make their Army Day debut. Equipped with Longbow fire-control radar, they will perform a flypast alongside the indigenous LCH Prachand.

• Technological Prowess on Display: The parade will feature over 30 marching and mechanized contingents, showcasing BrahMos and Pinaka rocket systems, M777 ultra-light howitzers,indigenous defence system Akashteer system and Drones, loitering munitions, and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs).

The scale of the 2026 celebrations extended far beyond the parade ground. In the weeks leading up to the event, the Army organized ‘Know Your Army’ exhibitions and band displays, The Shaurya Sandhya programme at SMS Stadium and Medical camps for veterans and blood donation drives. It is reflecting India's growing defense diplomacy, Ambassadors and defense attachés from over 40 countries are expected to witness the display, underscoring India’s role as a major military power on the global stage.

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Also Read: 77th Republic Day 2026: EU Leaders to be Chief Guests for Parade