Schools within the Puri municipality and surrounding areas are set to remain closed on Wednesday, December 4, in observance of Indian Navy Day 2024 celebrations. This decision is aimed at encouraging student participation in the festivities while also managing the expected traffic influx during the event.
Indian Navy Day is commemorated every year on December 4 to pay tribute to the bravery, dedication, and spirit of the Indian Navy. The date marks the anniversary of Operation Trident, a significant and audacious operation conducted by the Indian Navy during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which was pivotal in achieving victory for India.
The primary celebrations for Navy Day will take place in Puri, Odisha, where President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to preside over the event, hosted by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi. The ceremony will prominently feature a spectacular demonstration of India’s naval capabilities, highlighting the Navy’s essential role in protecting the country’s maritime interests.
Prior to the Navy Day celebrations, President Murmu will visit the renowned Jagannath Temple in Puri to offer her prayers. Following this visit, she will attend the main event, where she will observe an impressive naval display and pay homage to the contributions of the Indian Navy.
This year’s Navy Day celebration will showcase an impressive fleet that includes a minimum of 24 ships, submarines, and over 40 aircraft, complemented by the expertise and support of Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and personnel from the Indian Army. Attendees can look forward to thrilling aerial manoeuvres by MiG-29K and Hawk fighter jets, combat exercises executed by MARCOS, submarine operation demonstrations, amphibious landings, and rocket firing from the warships.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that preparations for the event are in the final stages, having recently conducted a review meeting with district officials to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly on the day of the celebration. As Puri gears up for this significant occasion, the local community is expected to participate in honoring the valor and contributions of the Indian Navy.