In an exciting development for the upcoming Navy Day celebrations, the Indian Navy has proposed an invitation to President Draupadi Murmu to be the chief guest for the event on December 4, which will take place in the temple town of Puri, Odisha. This marks a significant occasion as it will be the first time the Eastern Naval Command will conduct the Navy Day celebrations in Odisha. Last year, President Murmu attended the celebrations held in Visakhapatnam, where she fulfilled the role of chief guest.
Preparations for the event are already underway, with a preliminary hydrographic survey and drill conducted at Puri beach in mid-August. These exercises were overseen by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, along with the anchoring of five warships off the coast. Senior naval officers were also present during the survey, highlighting the importance of the upcoming celebrations.
The public of Puri will have a unique opportunity to witness naval displays that have rarely been seen in the area. Among the naval vessels participating are the INS Jalashwa, INS Kiltan, and INS Sumedha, which have been patrolling off the coast, creating excitement among the local population and tourists. Many visitors were seen at Puri beach, captivated by the sight of the naval ships, as it is not common for such vessels to be present in this region.
Navy Day, celebrated annually on December 4, honors the significant role and accomplishments of the Indian Navy, notably its actions during ‘Operation Trident’, a key engagement against Pakistan. This year’s celebrations promise to be grand, featuring a variety of demonstrations including high-speed runs by inshore support vessels, complex maneuvers by fleet ships, anti-submarine rocket firings, and helicopter landing demonstrations. Furthermore, audiences can anticipate a composite fly-past by aircraft and Hawks, as well as a spectacular illumination of the ships to conclude the festivities.
However, the celebrations will bring mixed emotions as the residents of Visakhapatnam, who typically participate in this major annual event drawing over half a million attendees to the city’s waterfront, will miss out on the festivities this year. The shift of the event to Puri illustrates the expanding reach of the Indian Navy’s engagements and its efforts to connect with different regions across the country.
