Why Is January 15 Celebrated As Army Day In India? Know What Happened On This Day In 1949
Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15, a day that marked a significant moment I 1949 symbolising India’s post-independence military leadership.
The Indian Army traces its origins to the armies of the East India Company, which later evolved into the British Indian Army and the armies of the Princely States. After India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, these forces were unified to form the National Army of India. However, even after independence, the Indian armed forces, responsible for national security, were still led by British officers.
Recognising the need for Indian leadership in the armed forces, Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief, making him the first Indian to hold the position. He was a decorated officer who had already earned respect for his leadership during World War II and the First Indo-Pak War in 1947-48. His appointment as the Commander-in-Chief marked a significant moment symbolising India’s post-independence military leadership.
What Happened On January 15, 1949?
January 15 holds deep significance, marking the occasion when Field Marshal Cariappa, as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief, in 1949.
This transfer of power signified the culmination of India's struggle for sovereignty and self-reliance in defence. The date, January 15, thus became symbolic of the Indian Army’s transition to an independent and self-directed force.
#ArmyDay 2025
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 14, 2025
ONE DAY TO GO !
Get ready to celebrate the pride and valour of the #IndianArmy.
Tune in for the spectacular #ArmyDayParade at #Pune.#IndianArmy @DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India@IaSouthern pic.twitter.com/2pOgVpPDil
How The Army Day Is Celebrated On January 15
Army Day is celebrated in India every year on January 15 with great pride and enthusiasm to honour the valiant soldiers of the Indian Army and commemorate a landmark moment in the nation's history.
Traditionally, the main events were held in New Delhi, where the Army Chief would lay a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, and a special parade marked the day.
However, from 2023, the prestigious Army Day Parade began rotating to different cities, starting with Bengaluru. In 2024, the parade took place in Lucknow.
This year, the Maharashtrian city of Pune is set to host the Army Day Parade for the first time. The city renowned for its rich military heritage will host the parade at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, according to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The parade will feature marching contingents, mechanised columns, and technological exhibits. There will also be demonstrations of drones, robotics and other such cutting-edge defence technologies, along with performances like combat demonstrations and martial arts displays, the ministry press release said.
You can watch the parade live from 8 am on the Indian Army's X, Facebook, and Instagram handles, and also its YouTube channel.
Watch the live coverage of the #ArmyDay Parade from 08:00 AM onwards on 15 January 2025 on X, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube channel of Indian Army. https://t.co/3dLdDOEKR3
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) January 14, 2025
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