Why Army Day parade is being held in Pune not Delhi this year

For the first time in its history, the Indian Army’s prestigious Army Day Parade is stepping outside the capital city, making its debut in Pune, Maharashtra.

This decision to celebrate Army Day outside Delhi is part of a tradition started in recent years to decentralise national military celebrations. By taking the parade to different parts of the country, the Army aims to foster a closer connection with citizens and encourage a deeper understanding of its contributions and initiatives.

With a host of firsts, including trailblazing women officers leading contingents, and robo mules, the 2025 parade promises to be a celebration of progress, diversity, and national pride.

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Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store for this significant occasion.

But first, what is Army Day & why is it celebrated?

Army Day is observed annually on January 15 to commemorate Lieutenant General KM Cariappa’s assumption of command as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, succeeding British General Francis Roy Bucher.

Since then, this day has been celebrated to honour the valour, sacrifices and selfless service of the Indian Army personnel who safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and security.

Traditionally, the main Army Day parade was held at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi, where Service Chiefs paid tribute to the Indian Army’s legacy. The event also features the display of advanced weaponry, and equipment, and a vibrant march by soldiers.

In recent years, the Army Day parade has expanded its reach beyond Delhi. In 2023 and 2024, the celebrations were held in Bengaluru and Lucknow, respectively. This year, Pune will become the third city to host the parade.

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But why Pune?

Pune holds a prominent place in India’s military history and legacy, making it a fitting choice to host the Army Day parade.

The city is home to prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Southern Command Headquarters, both vital to the nation’s defence ecosystem.

Further, with its rich association with the Maratha Empire, Pune has long been a centre of military strategy, training, and operations. The city has been crucial to the evolution of India’s armed forces, serving as a training ground for military leaders and an innovation centre in defence strategies.

By hosting Army Day in Pune, the Indian Army not only acknowledges the city’s contributions but also aims to inspire the youth to join the armed forces.

The parade, is set to take place at the Bombay Engineering Group (BEG) and Centre in Pune.

What is planned for Army Day 2025?

This year’s Army Day celebrations promise to be a blend of tradition and innovation, with the theme of ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena’ at the centre, spotlighting modernisation, inclusivity, and public engagement, as reported by India Today.

At the heart of the event is the Army’s commitment to showcasing its progress and preparedness. Visitors at the Southern Command Parade Ground will witness an impressive display of indigenous defence equipment, including the Arjun Mk-1A tanks, K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, and advanced drones developed under the Make in India initiative.

The celebrations aren’t just about military might—they aim to connect with people. Students and civilians can look forward to live demonstrations of para-jumping and combat drills, along with vibrant cultural performances by Army bands.

Adding a touch of international camaraderie, a 33-member Nepal Army band will also perform in the parade, marking a gesture of friendship and cultural exchange between the two nations, reported PTI.

In a first, “robotic mules” will join the parade this year. These innovative machines, designed to carry heavy loads across difficult terrains, will march alongside their handlers, saluting dignitaries with mechanical precision.

The parade will also feature several crafted tableaux. One will honour the Mission Olympics Wing of the Army, which has helped athletes achieve excellence in sports like wrestling and fencing, as well as Paralympic champions.

Other tableaux will highlight the vital contributions of Army veterans, the Army’s green initiatives to combat climate change, and its embrace of cutting-edge technologies like drones and nano-tech. One display will even showcase the Army’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.

Women agniveers to lead the way

This year’s Army Day Parade will feature an all-girl marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), marking a significant milestone for women in the armed forces.

An all-women contingent, consisting of Agniveers from the Corps of Military Police (CMP) at Bengaluru, will also take part, with Captain Sandhya Mahla leading the two groups.

“It will be a proud moment for me when I lead the 58-member contingent on January 15. We have been practising and fine-tuning our drills, and our goal is to be the best contingent of the parade,” said the second-generation officer in an interview with Times of India.

As the Indian Army progresses with its plans for the year, Army Day 2025 stands as a platform to celebrate, inspire, and honour the nation’s defenders.

With input from agencies