Bactrian Camels will March in this Republic Day Parade

The Bactrian camel of Ladakh will march at the Republic Day parade this year as part of a unique animal contingent showcasing their role in military operations. This is a historic first for India’s flagship national celebration; you can catch a glimpses from the full dress rehearsal of 77th Republic Day Parade that will march in full glory on Kartavya Path on 26 January, 2026.

Bactrian camels are double-humped desert survivors, especially adapted to extreme cold, high altitudes and thin air. These traits that make them valuable for logistics and patrol duties in Ladakh’s rugged terrain. Their inclusion highlights both traditional and practical elements of India’s defense forces, blending cultural spectacle with real operational capability. Interestingly, the United Nations had declared the year 2024 as the International Year of Camelids.