Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav announced on Monday that a grand parade would be held here on the occasion of the Indian Army Day on 15 January 2027.
Speaking during a high-level meeting with the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at the CM House, the chief minister said celebrations and several events showcasing the Indian Army’s history, prowess, and achievements would also be held at the time. The Army Day parade would be held on the lines of the Republic-Day parade at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi.
Senior officials of the military and the state government were present in the meeting.
Dr Yadav stressed that it is important to familiarize the people of the state with the rich legacy of the Indian Army, and to inspire youth of the state to join the armed forces. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Army has demonstrated indomitable courage, valour, and capability on every occasion and at every front.
He said for every citizen and family of the country, it is a matter of pride to be connected with the traditions of bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Army.
He assured that the state government will extend every possible support to the army for organising the event in the state capital.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Dwivedi informed that along with the parade, Shaurya Sandhya, a military exhibition showcasing the Army’s weapons, equipment and resources and demonstrations of military exercises will also be organised. Retired soldiers will also be honoured during the event. He said that Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also attend the event.
The COAS said that the event at Bhopal is being organised with the objective of showcasing the Indian Army’s rich tradition of bravery and military heritage, connecting citizens with the military parade, strengthening coordination and mutual trust between the Army and civil administration, and motivating youth to join the Indian Army.
It was informed in the meeting that for the Army parade, routes including Atal Path, Aerocity Road, BHEL Kalibari Road and BHEL Link Road have been proposed as the parade route. Shaurya Sandhya will be organised at T T Nagar Stadium, while the military exhibition will be set up at Jamboree Ground. Activities such as water sports, air shows and military demonstrations will also take place at the Upper Lake.
As a preliminary event, on Madhya Pradesh Foundation Day on 1 November 2026, under the ‘Meri Maati’ campaign, activities such as hot air ballooning, a motorcycle rally, a run and other events will be organised.
Army Day is celebrated every year on 15 January to commemorate the historic occasion in 1949 when General Kodandera Madappa Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir Francis Robert Roy Bucher.
The first such Army Day parade in the state was organised in Bengaluru in 2023, followed by Lucknow in 2024, Pune in 2025, and Jaipur in 2026.