Here’s why the Indian Navy celebrates December 4 as Navy Day

From aircrafts to ships to music and more..

Published: December 4, 2015 11:15 AM IST

By Natasha Anchees

The Indian Navy is the branch of the armed forces that guards the country’s coastal areas. But you probably know that. Commanded by the President of India and the Chief of Naval Staff, the navy plays an important role in maintaining peaceful relations with its neighboring countries on the maritime front. You probably knew that too. Another major part of the Navy’s responsibility is to provide relief in times of natural disasters like floods, cyclones and tsunamis. With four major bases in Visakhapatnam, Mumbai, Kochi and Chennai and one more in Karwar about 100 km from Goa, the navy guards the country’s coast that we so love traveling along, don’t we?

What you probably don’t know (or remember) is that during the India-Pakistan war of 1971, the Indian Navy played a significant role in the bombing of the Karachi harbor. The name of the operation was Operation Trident. And it was launched on… yes… you guessed it… December 4. It is the day the men in white remember and celebrate as Navy Day. Operation Trident also marked the first use of anti-ship missiles in the region launching a fast Naval strike on Pakistan’s Naval headquarters in Karachi.

The task group of this operation consisted of three Vidyut class missile boats INS Nipat, INS Nirghat and INS Veer. With no damage to the naval ships and no casualties, the operation is remembered as the most successful attack launched by the Indian Navy.

Navy Day celebrations start weeks before the actual day and come to an end much after. From performances by the Naval band, to live demonstrations by Naval aircrafts and the lighting up of ships on the coastline, Navy Day is celebrated with much style. The headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam puts on the best display at Ramkrishna beach. Commencing with the wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial the celebrations continue with an operational display of ships, submarines aircraft and some other special forces like the commandos.

As the Naval band marches down Gateway of India while playing the tunes of some melodious compositions, the Beating Retreat is one of the most beautiful ceremonies held during Navy Day celebrations. As the sun sets in the backdrop, the music dulls out and the festivities for the day come to an end.

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