- Countdown to celebrating Military Heritage begins
New Delhi. 04 January 2024. For the first time in history, Pune, a city synonymous with India’s rich military legacy, will host the prestigious Army Day Parade on 15 January 2025. The event promises to be a grand celebration of military excellence, courage, and innovation. As a curtain-raiser to this monumental occasion, the Indian Army unveiled a captivating promotional video at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The promo garnered widespread acclaim, resonating with cinephiles, international delegates, and industry leaders alike.
The Army Day Parade commemorates Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s appointment as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, symbolizing India’s post-independence military leadership. Traditionally held in Delhi, the parade began rotating to different cities in 2023, starting with Bengaluru, followed by Lucknow in 2024. Pune’s selection for the 2025 parade highlights the city’s historic ties to the Armed Forces and its role as the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Southern Command.
This year’s parade will take place at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, featuring marching contingents, mechanized columns, and technological exhibits. Highlights will include demonstrations of cutting-edge defence technologies such as drones and robotics, along with captivating performances like combat demonstrations and martial arts displays.
Preceding the parade, events like the “Know Your Army” exhibition, scheduled for early January in Pune, will allow residents to explore advanced weaponry and interact with soldiers who defend the nation. Such initiatives emphasize inclusivity and unity, making the Army Day Parade not merely a ceremonial occasion but a national celebration of courage, dedication, and technological progress.
The Indian Army fosters a stronger connection with citizens nationwide by rotating the Army Day Parade across different cities. This initiative decentralizes the celebration, providing local communities with opportunities to directly engage with the Armed Forces.
As Pune prepares to host the Army Day Parade 2025, the event reinforces the Indian Army’s mission to connect with citizens across the nation. By decentralizing the celebrations and showcasing India’s military prowess in different cities, the Army not only honors its rich heritage but also inspires unity, patriotism, and pride among citizens. With its cutting-edge displays, thrilling performances, and community engagement initiatives, this year’s parade promises to be an unforgettable tribute to the valor and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces.
