Republic Day Parade 2026: Bactrian Camels to march on Kartavya Path

Key facts

• Two Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) named Galwan and Nubra will participate in the Republic Day Parade 2026 on Kartavya Path.
• The camels will be part of the Animal Contingent led by the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC).
• The contingent will also feature indigenous Zanskar ponies from Ladakh and Army dog breeds including Rajapalayam, Chippiparai, Mudhol, Kombai, and Rampur.
• Ladakh is the only region in India where the double-humped Bactrian camel species is found.
• The genus Camelus includes two domestic species: the single-humped Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and the double-humped Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus).
• The name Bactrian is derived from the ancient kingdom of Bactria, located in modern-day Balkh, Afghanistan, which was known as Bahlika or Tushara in ancient Sanskrit sources.
• Bactrian camels were historically known as the Ships of the Silk Road and were used by Chinese monks Faxian (Fahien) and Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) to travel to India.
• The species is capable of carrying average loads of approximately 180 kilograms and can travel between 35 to 40 kilometres per day.