The Indian Navy is set to conduct an “Operational Demonstration” off the coast of Puri in Odisha as part of the Navy Day celebrations on December 4.

Navy Day is celebrated to commemorate India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.

President Droupadi Murmu, the supreme commander of the defence forces, will inaugurate the celebrations with the Indian navy personnel displaying their valour and skills. The full rehearsal for the day began in Puri on Sunday with Puri MP Sambit Patra watching the manoeuvres of the navy. Chetak helicopters flew overhead mesmerising
the spectators.

Ahead of the Navy Day, the senior officials of navy met Puri Gajapati, the scion of the Puri royal family, Dibyasingha Deb and invited him to join the celebrations. Before meeting Gajapati, they also went to the Puri Shree Jagannath temple and invited Lord Jagannath to join the celebration. It is customary for the people of Odisha to invite the Lord to any important event. He is invariably the first invitee.

The Indian Navy is organizing the event in Odisha for the first time. The entire town of Puri is plastered with posters and banners advertising the big event which has generated excitement. More than one lakh people are expected to watch the naval exercises along the Puri coast.

According to Indian Naval Training Institute Chilika sources, around 40 aircraft and 15 warships will participate in the show, during which the Indian Navy will showcase its combat skills and war readiness. The Indian Navy in a release said, “The Indian Navy will display a spectacular Operational Demonstration off the coast of Puri, showing the strength and versatility of its naval fleet. This event is not only a tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage but also an opportunity for the general public to witness first-hand the world of naval operations, a realm often hidden from public view.”

The MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) commandos will showcase their skills. The commanding officer and station commander of INS (Indian Naval Training Institute) Chilka B. Deepak Anil said “Submarines, ships and aircraft will be participating in the event. People will see a spectacular show by the Indian Navy. The preparations that began a few months ago will culminate in the ultimate show.”