Pune: The Army will present a spectacular display in Pune on Wednesday, using lasers, sound, light, and multimedia technology to depict the evolution of warfare from ancient times to the modern era. The showcase will draw inspiration from Indian epics and contemporary wars.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend Gaurav Gatha, an event hosted at the Bhagat Pavilion of the Bombay Engineers Group (BEG) and Centre in Pune. The occasion forms part of the 77th Army Day celebrations.
Why Army Day 2025 is being held in Pune
This will be the first time the Army Day parade is held in Pune, following the Modi government’s decision to decentralise them in recent years and extend them beyond Delhi. Previous legs of the Army Day have been held in Bengaluru (2023) and Lucknow (2024).
Pune is also significant as it is home to the Southern Command Headquarters and the National Defence Academy Khadakwasla, the joint defence service training institute of the Indian Armed Forces. Here, cadets of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force train together before they go on to their respective service academies for further pre-commission training.
Indian Army Day schedule
Before the event starts at 7.52 am Ahead of this “grand event”, the defence minister is also expected to meet some ‘Veer Nari’ and veterans over tea on the premises of the BEG and Centre.
The initial sequence of the Army Day parade would be at 7:52 am when the marching contingents of the parade will assemble on the ground, led by the Parade Adjutant. The Adjutant will then present a report to Brigadier Paramjit Singh Jyoti, Commandant of the Bombay Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre, who is the Second-in-Command of the parade. Following this, the Parade Commander, Major General Vij, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Pune-headquartered Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area, will arrive on the ground.
A Nepal Army band, an all-girl marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and a set of ‘robotic mules’ are among the key attractions lined up for the prestigious Army Day Parade, taking place in Pune for the first time.
Why is Army Day celebrated?
Army Day is celebrated annually on 15th January to mark the historic occasion in 1949 when Lieutenant General KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding British General Francis Roy Bucher.
This day is dedicated to honouring the valour, sacrifices, and selfless service of Indian Army personnel who protect the nation’s sovereignty and security.
How to watch Army Day parade live
Live coverage of the Army Day Parade 2025 will begin at 8 am on the Indian Army’s official channels on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. The event can also be streamed live via the ‘ADP 2025’ app, launched by the Indian Army for this occasion.
