Not Tanks Or Missiles: Bactrian Camels Became Real Stars Of Republic Day 2026; Internet Says 'Pure Swag' | WATCH

As India marked its 77th Republic Day with a grand parade at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path, several moments from the celebrations quickly found their way onto social media, capturing the internet’s attention.

Among the many visuals shared online, clips featuring Bactrian camels, black kites (raptors), Zanskari ponies, and the HIM Yodha contingent emerged as unexpected viral stars of the parade.Videos of these wildlife and animal contingents drew widespread admiration, with netizens flooding social media with reactions. Many users described the Bactrian camels and black kites as having unmatched “swag,” with comments praising their majestic presence and calm confidence during the parade. Several video edits began circulating online, amplifying the virality—one popular edit showed the HIM Yodha contingent marching in formation, set to the iconic song Fa9la from the film Dhurandhar, adding a cinematic flair to the visuals.

The Republic Day parade itself was a grand display of India’s military strength, cultural pride, and indigenous heritage. Held at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, the celebrations featured marching contingents, mechanised columns, and vibrant tableaux that reflected the country’s unity in diversity. Alongside the armed forces, unique elements highlighting India’s biodiversity and traditional strengths stood out prominently this year.Among the highlights were the HIM Yodha contingent, Bactrian camels, Zanskari ponies, and black kites, also known as raptors, presented as part of the parade. Another major attraction was the display of five indigenous dog breeds trained for attack and patrol duties: Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam. Their disciplined march and commanding presence earned praise both at the venue and online.News agency ANI also shared visuals from the parade, posting clips with the caption: “HIM Yodha, Bactrian Camel, Zanskari pony, black kites (raptors) displayed during the Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path in Delhi. Five indigenous breed dogs—Mudhol Hound, Rampur Hound, Chippiparai, Kombai, and Rajapalayam—trained as attack and patrol dogs also displayed during the parade.”

As videos from the parade continue to circulate online, these moments have become some of the most talked-about highlights of the 77th Republic Day celebrations—proving once again that beyond tanks and tableaux, it’s often the unexpected visuals that capture the internet’s imagination.