Indian Navy Day to be Celebrated at Historic Sindhudurg Fort, A Proud Moment for Indian Maritime History

A Historic Venue for Navy Day Celebrations

This year, the Indian Navy has chosen Maharashtra’s iconic Sindhudurg Fort for the Navy Day celebrations scheduled for December 4th. Built by Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1964, the fort holds significant historical and strategic importance.

Significance of Navy Day

Navy Day is celebrated every year on December 4th to commemorate the success of Operation Trident, the Indian Navy’s attack on the port of Karachi during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. The day also witnesses a series of events honouring the Indian Navy’s contributions to national security.

Sindhudurg’s Rich History

Situated in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Konkan, the fort was designed to be impenetrable without permission. It took three years to build and stand on a small island. Its walls are 30 feet high, and it boasts 42 towers. Around 4,000 iron spikes were used in its construction, making it a stronghold against foreign invasion.

Modernizing Traditions

Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Navy’s new flag featuring the seal of Shivaji Maharaj, replacing St. George’s Cross, a symbol of colonial rule. The event aligns with a broader initiative to modernize military traditions, including dress codes, to reflect contemporary relevance.

Changing Locations for Military Celebrations

Following a trend of moving away from the capital for military day celebrations, last year’s Navy Day was observed in Visakhapatnam, Army Day in Bengaluru, and Air Force Day in Chandigarh. This year, the Air Force Day parade is slated for Prayagraj.

The celebration of Navy Day at the historic Sindhudurg Fort highlights the rich maritime history and the evolving traditions of the Indian armed forces.