Navy Day 2023 Commemorations Set to Grace Historic Sindhudurg Fort, Erected by Shivaji in the 17th Century

14-09-2023 New Delhi - India observes Navy Day on December 4th each year, commemorating the Indian Navy's remarkable attack on Karachi Harbor during the 1971 conflict with Pakistan. Continuing the new tradition of conducting flagship ceremonial events outside the national capital, this year's Navy Day festivities are scheduled to take place at the iconic Sindhudurg Fort, situated off the picturesque coast of Maharashtra. This historic fort, originally built in the 17th century by the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, serves as the chosen venue, according to officials familiar with the plans.

Last year, Navy Day was celebrated in Visakhapatnam, marking the first time the event was moved outside New Delhi. Similarly, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force held their annual parades in Bengaluru and Chandigarh. This year, the Air Force Day parade will be hosted in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on October 8.

The selection of the Sindhudurg Fort as the venue for Navy Day celebrations holds historical significance. The fort, constructed in the 1660s, meets the Navy's requirements for conducting operational demonstrations of its frontline assets and holds a rich maritime history.

In a significant symbolic move last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the navy's new ensign during the commissioning ceremony of the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. This new flag, inspired by the seal of the Maratha king, eliminated the Cross of St. George, symbolizing a departure from the colonial past.

India's armed forces have also adopted changes in line with the call to shed colonial customs and embrace Indian traditions. This includes discontinuing the use of ceremonial batons by navy personnel and considering allowing smart traditional Indian wear in naval officers' messes.

Additionally, the defense ministry has initiated a drive to rename British-era cantonments as military stations, with the aim of bringing uniformity to municipal laws governing these areas and adjoining municipal pockets.

These measures align with the broader directive from Prime Minister Modi to uproot colonial remnants from India's mindset and habits, emphasizing the importance of indigenization in the national security system. This shift not only pertains to sourcing military equipment but also extends to doctrines, procedures, and customs within the armed forces.