Mumbai: The iconic Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra is all set to host the Navy Day to be held on December 4. Twenty warships and 40 aircrafts, including renowned models like MiG 29K, LCA Navy and MARCOS, will be major attractions of this event.
This is the first time that the Indian Navy will be organising a mega event away from any major naval station. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the chief guest for the event, will also unveil the grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot-Malvan on this occasion.
A 43 feet statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji has been erected at Rajkot-Malvan sea shore of Sindhudurg. Also an art gallery depicting Shivaji’s life and achievements has been created.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday visited Malvan and took stock of the preparation works for the event.
ON the Navy Day, the Indian Navy will display its operational prowess and capabilities through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ covering a spectrum of naval operations. The spectacle will include 20 warships and 40 aircraft, comprising MiG 29K, LCA Navy and MARCOS. In addition to this, there will also be combat beach reconnaissance and assault demos by the Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy.
The other major attractions include a performance by the Naval Band, continuity drill and hornpipe dance by the SCC cadets. The event will culminate with the illumination of ships at anchorage, followed by a laser show at Sindhudurg Fort.
The event, hosted by Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, will be witnessed from the Tarkarli beach by senior Centre and State Government officials, military dignitaries and the local populace.
Sindhudurg was built in 1660 by the legendary Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort boasts of India’s rich maritime history and also meets the Navy’s requirement to conduct an operational demonstration with its frontline assets.
The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate ‘Operation Trident,’ the Navy’s audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 War.
