78th Army Day Celebrated in Rajasthan Outside Military Cantonment
78th Army Day parade held in Rajasthan, honoring soldiers and martyrs.
Photo by Mitul Gajera
The 78th Army Day was celebrated on 15 January 2026 in Rajasthan, marking the first time the parade was held outside a military cantonment. The event paid tribute to the brave martyrs, ex-servicemen, and serving soldiers of Rajasthan.
The Army Day parade took place in Jaipur at Mahal Road from 10:00 AM to 12:25 PM. A 'Shaurya Sandhya' event was also organized at Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, with the presence of Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma and Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh.
Key Facts
Event: 78th Army Day
Date: 15 January 2026
Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
First time: Outside military cantonment
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on defense modernization and civil-military relations
Visual Insights
Location of Army Day Celebration - Jaipur, Rajasthan
Map showing the location of the 78th Army Day celebration in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This marks the first time the parade was held outside a military cantonment.
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More Information
Background
The Indian Army's origins can be traced back to the forces of the East India Company, which gradually evolved into the British Indian Army. Post-independence, the Indian Army officially came into being, inheriting a rich legacy of military traditions and valor. The designation of January 15th as Army Day commemorates the day in 1949 when Field Marshal Kodandera M.
Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, succeeding General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief. This transition marked a pivotal moment in India's military history, symbolizing the complete transfer of command to an Indian officer and solidifying India's sovereignty in defense matters. The Army Day celebrations have traditionally been held at the Delhi Cantonment, serving as a platform to showcase the Army's capabilities and honor its personnel.
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on modernizing the Indian Army, focusing on technological advancements, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and improved infrastructure along borders. The government's 'Make in India' initiative has also played a crucial role in boosting indigenous defense production, reducing reliance on foreign imports. Furthermore, the Army has been actively involved in disaster relief operations, both domestically and internationally, showcasing its humanitarian role.
The decision to hold the Army Day parade outside a military cantonment reflects a broader trend of increasing public engagement and fostering a stronger connection between the armed forces and the civilian population. This shift aims to enhance transparency and build greater trust and understanding between the Army and the citizens of India.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the significance of Army Day in India: 1. It commemorates the appointment of the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. 2. It is celebrated annually on January 15th. 3. The celebrations are exclusively held within military cantonments to maintain security protocols. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect as the 78th Army Day was celebrated outside a military cantonment for the first time.
2. With reference to the evolution of the Indian Army, consider the following events: 1. Appointment of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as Commander-in-Chief. 2. Formation of the East India Company's military forces. 3. Adoption of the 'Make in India' initiative in defense production. Arrange these events in chronological order, from the earliest to the most recent.
- A.1-2-3
- B.2-1-3
- C.3-2-1
- D.2-3-1
Show Answer
Answer: B
The correct chronological order is: 2 (East India Company's forces), 1 (Cariappa's appointment), and 3 ('Make in India').
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the 'Shaurya Sandhya' event organized in Jaipur on Army Day 2026?
- A.It was held at Sawai Man Singh Stadium.
- B.It was organized to honor the brave martyrs, ex-servicemen, and serving soldiers.
- C.The event was held in the morning.
- D.The Chief Minister of Rajasthan and the Defence Minister were present.
Show Answer
Answer: C
The 'Shaurya Sandhya' event was held in the evening from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, not in the morning.