Vijay Diwas, or Victory Day (Bijoy Dibos), observed every year on 16 December across India and Bangladesh, to mark the historic victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and pay tribute to the martyrs from both nations who sacrificed their lives during the conflict.
- The day marks the official surrender of the Pakistani Armed Forces to the combined Indian and Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh liberation forces) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
- 16 December 2025 marks the observance of the 54th Vijay Diwas.
Exam Hints:
- Event: 54th Vijay Diwas, or Victory Day (Bijoy Dibos)
- When? 16 December
- Significance: Marks India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War and pays tribute to martyrs from both nations.
- Surrender: Pakistani Armed Forces surrendered to Indian Army and Mukti Bahini in Dhaka, 16 Dec 1971.
About the Indo-Pak War 1971:
Duration: The Indo-Pak War of 1971 was a 13-day military conflict between India and Pakistan, lasting from December 3 to December 16.
Cause: The war began due to India’s support for Bengali nationalist forces seeking independence in East Pakistan amidst a humanitarian crisis.
Result: The war, triggered by India’s support for Bengali nationalist forces amid a humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan, ended with the surrender of around 93,000 Pakistani soldiers and the creation of Bangladesh.
Surrender: The Eastern Command of the Pakistan military signed the Instrument of Surrender on December 16, 1971, in Dhaka (Bangladesh).
Significance: India’s successful military intervention led to the formation of Bangladesh, marking a major event in the nation’s history.
Leadership: The war victory was led by Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, and Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora.
2025 Events:
Military Tattoo: On December 16, 2025, Headquarters Eastern Command commemorates the 54th Vijay Diwas with a grand Military Tattoo at the Mangal Pandey Training Area, Vijay Durg, in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
Highlights: The Military Tattoo features helicopter flypasts, equestrian shows demonstrating the bond between riders and horses, precision combat manoeuvres, cultural performances like Kalaripayattu, Bhangra, and Gatka, and technology displays including swarm drones, robotic mules, and modern weapons.
Painting Competition: On December 15, 2025, young schoolchildren in Agartala, Tripura, took part in a painting competition organized by the Indian Army at the Albert Ekka War Memorial to commemorate the 54th Vijay Diwas and promote patriotism and historical awareness.
Highlights: The painting competition themed “1971 Indo-Pak War: The Saga of Valour” involved around 400 children aged 6–14 from 13 schools, divided into four age categories, and was judged on creativity, originality
