Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday marked the beginning of the 50-year anniversary of India’s 1971 victory over Pakistan by lighting up the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in New Delhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh the chief of defence staff and tri-service chiefs joined Modi as he laid wreath and paid tributes to the soldiers who were martyred during the war and made the supreme sacrifice for the country.

Four victory mashaals (flaming torches) will be carried to various parts of India, including to the villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees of the 1971 war, the defence ministry has said.

“Soil from the villages of these awardees and from areas where major battles were fought in 1971 are being brought to the National War Memorial (NWM),” the ministry said.

India celebrates December 16 as Vijay Diwas to commemorate its victory over Pakistan during the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

As December 16 marks the anniversary of the military victory, the nation will celebrate 'Swarnim Vijay Varsh' (golden victory year) through several events across the country, and it will continue for a year.

Various commemorative events will be conducted pan-India wherein war veterans will be felicitated, the statement said, adding that band displays, seminars, exhibitions, equipment displays, film festivals, conclaves and adventure activities will also be held.