The 78th Army Day was celebrated on 15 January 2026 in Jaipur, commemorating the 1949 appointment of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief. The 2026 theme, “Year of Networking and Data Centricity,” highlighted the Army’s focus on modernization, digital integration, and network-centric warfare.
For the first time, the parade was held outside a cantonment, at Mahal Road, Jagatpura, featuring combat demonstrations, modern equipment, and the debut of the Bhairav Battalion, along with a “Know Your Army” exhibition.
Army Day honors soldiers’ sacrifices, strengthens national pride, and showcases the Army’s roles in defense, disaster relief, peacekeeping, and nation-building. The celebration blends tradition with modernization, reflecting India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense.
