Vijay Diwas, or Victory Day (Bijoy Dibos), is annually observed across India and Bangladesh on 16 December to celebrate the historic victory of Indian armed forces against Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war (India Pakistan War of 1971).
- The day also pays tributes to the martyrs of both India and Bangladesh, who lost their lives on the line during the war.
- The day commemorates the formal surrender of the Pakistani Armed Forces to the joint Indian and Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh liberation forces) in Dhaka (Bangladesh) during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
16 December 2024 marks the celebration of the 53rd Vijay Diwas.
About the Indo-Pak War 1971:
i.The Indo-Pak War 1971 was a 13-day military conflict between India and Pakistan that took place from December 3 to 16 in 1971.
- India entered the war in support of the Bengali nationalist forces striving for independence in East Pakistan (Bangladesh).
ii.The war stemmed from the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan that ended with the surrender of around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers leading to the creation of East Pakistan (now known as Bangladesh).
iii.The conflict ended with the signing of the Instrument of Surrender by the Eastern Command of the Pakistan military on December 16, 1971, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- The successful military intervention in East Pakistan also led to the creation of Bangladesh, making it one of the most significant events in India’s history.
Note:The Indo- Pak war victory was led by Indira Gandhi, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora.
2024 Events:
i.On December 16 2024, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Pande, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and Indian Air Force(IAF) Air Chief Marshal AP Singh paid homage at the National War Memorial on the occasion of Vijay Diwas in New Delhi (Delhi) .
- The Union Defence Minister also signed the visitor’s register at the National War Memorial to mark the occasion.
ii.As part of the solemn Vijay Diwas celebrations, a 405 kilometer(km) Vijay Diwas Ultra Marathon, organized under the auspices of the Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Goa Area, was flagged off at the Command War Memorial in Pune(Maharashtra).
iii.Hell Race Adventures organised ‘The Hell Race: The Border Chapter (Jaisalmer-Longewala)’ 2024 on December 14-15, 2024, to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Armed Forces on the occasion of Vijay Diwas 2024.
Other Events:
- Commemorative Ceremonies:Wreath-laying ceremonies at the National War Memorial in Delhi and Vijay Smarak in Kolkata(West Bengal, WB) honor fallen heroes.
- Military Events:The Eastern Command in Kolkata organizes parades and a grand military tattoo, showcasing the strength and spirit of the armed forces.
- Cultural Observances: Nationwide tributes and events highlight the war’s significance and honor the sacrifices of soldiers.
