India Defence Forces Days

Indian Army Day is celebrated on January 15. On this day in 1949, General K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing British General F.R.R. Bucher. The main parade is held in New Delhi.

Indian Coast Guard Day is observed on February 1 every year. The Indian Coast Guard was established on February 1, 1977, under the Coast Guard Act 1978. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

National Defence Day is observed on March 3. It marks the day in 1963 when the National Defence Fund was established to support the families of defence personnel. It should not be confused with Army Day (Jan 15) or Armed Forces Flag Day (Dec 7).

CISF Raising Day is observed on March 10 every year. The Central Industrial Security Force was raised on March 10, 1969, under the CISF Act. It primarily protects vital installations like airports, nuclear plants, and government buildings.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed on July 26. On July 26, 1999, India declared victory in Operation Vijay — the Kargil War against Pakistan — which began in May 1999. The day honours soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the conflict.

CRPF Raising Day is observed on April 19. The CRPF was raised on July 27, 1939, as the Crown Representative's Police Force. It was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949. However, CRPF Raising Day is officially observed on April 19.

Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on October 8. The Indian Air Force was officially established on October 8, 1932. The air display and parade are held at Hindon Air Force Station. India's IAF is the fourth largest air force in the world.

Indian Navy Day is observed on December 4. On this date in 1971, during the Indo-Pakistan War, Indian Navy ships launched Operation Trident, attacking Karachi harbour and sinking Pakistani ships, turning the tide of the 1971 war significantly.

Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16. On December 16, 1971, Pakistani General A.A.K. Niazi signed the Instrument of Surrender to Indian Army General J.S. Aurora in Dhaka, effectively ending the 1971 war and creating the nation of Bangladesh.

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on December 7 every year since 1949. On this day, small national flags are sold to the public to collect funds for the welfare of war widows, disabled soldiers, and ex-servicemen and their families.

National Police Commemoration Day is observed on October 21 to honour the CRPF soldiers who were martyred in an ambush at Hot Springs, Ladakh, by Chinese forces on October 21, 1959. Wreaths are laid at police memorials across India.

BSF Raising Day is observed on December 1 every year. The Border Security Force was raised on December 1, 1965, following the 1965 Indo-Pakistan War, to provide a dedicated border protection force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Siachin Day is observed on April 13 to commemorate the deployment of Indian troops in the Siachen Glacier on April 13, 1984, under Operation Meghdoot. India has maintained a continuous military presence in the world's highest battlefield since then.

ITBP Raising Day is observed on October 24 every year. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police was raised on October 24, 1962, shortly after the Sino-Indian War, to guard India's border with Tibet (China). It is known as the 'Himveers.'

Infantry Day commemorates October 27, 1947, when Indian soldiers were airlifted to Srinagar to defend Kashmir against Pakistani-backed tribal raiders who had invaded. This decisive action by the Indian Army was the first major military operation after independence.

NSG Raising Day is observed on October 16. The National Security Guard was raised on October 16, 1984, following the assassination of PM Indira Gandhi. It is India's premier counter-terrorism force, popularly known as 'Black Cats.'

National Safety Day is observed on March 4 every year, with Safety Week observed from March 4 to 10. It was started by the National Safety Council of India, established on March 4, 1966, to promote awareness about occupational safety and health.

Goa Liberation Day is observed on December 19. On December 19, 1961, the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force launched Operation Vijay and liberated Goa, Daman, and Diu from 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule in just 36 hours.

Ordnance Factories Day is observed on March 18. The first ordnance factory in India (Gun and Shell Factory) was established at Cossipore, Kolkata, on March 18, 1802. India's Ordnance Factory Board (now part of Defence PSUs) is the largest defence production organisation in India.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on January 9 because on this date in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa after leading the Indian community there against racial discrimination. The event celebrates the contribution of the Indian diaspora (NRIs) to India.