Panaji (Goa): For the first time, Pune will host the annual Army Day Parade, scheduled for January 15, 2025. To mark the upcoming event, the Indian Army premiered an exclusive promotional video at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
The video generated an enthusiastic response from an audience of film lovers, international delegates, and key industry personalities, highlighting the national importance of this annual tribute to India’s armed forces.
Bollywood stars R. Madhavan and Rakul Preet Singh added their voices to the video, lauding the dedication of India’s soldiers and urging citizens to attend this historic event.
The Army Day Parade, celebrated since 1949, commemorates the appointment of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa as India’s first Commander-in-Chief, succeeding British military leadership.
Traditionally hosted in Delhi, this event was a display of the nation’s military prowess, regimental heritage, and cutting-edge defense technologies.
However, in 2023, the parade began a rotation across India, bringing the celebration closer to citizens outside the capital. Following Bengaluru and Lucknow as previous hosts, Pune, with its strong military tradition, will now join this national journey of bringing the parade to new cities.
Pune’s inaugural parade will be held at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, with an impressive lineup of marching contingents, mechanized units, and demonstrations of modern defense technologies such as drones and robotics.
The event will also feature live combat and martial arts displays, underscoring the Indian Army’s strength and readiness.
This rotational initiative by the Indian Army brings local communities closer to the Armed Forces, enhancing public engagement.
Leading up to the parade, the “Know Your Army” exhibition, set for early January in Pune, will give citizens an interactive platform to learn about military advancements and meet the soldiers who safeguard the nation.
The initiative underscores the Army’s commitment to unity, inclusion, and pride, making Army Day not only a military ceremony but a national celebration of resilience, bravery, and progress.