Published 17:34 IST, December 15th 2020
Vijay Diwas 2020: All about the history and significance of the day
Read on all about the history, significance & date of when Vijay Diwas is celebrated in India and how it is different from Kargil Vijay Diwas.
Advertisement
Vijay Diwas falls on December 16, and the day is observed every year in India. On this day, Indians remember the victory of the Indian military over Pakistan as well as for the separation of Bangladesh from Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Read on for more information about Vijay Diwas 2020, its history, and the significance of the day.
Vijay Diwas 2020 - History, Significance, Date
Vijay Diwas history dates back from 1971 when an India-Pakistan war took place and lasted for about 13 days. The war that started from December 3 and came to an end on December 16. This is the period when Pakistan surrendered (at that time General AA Khan Niazi, was the chief of the Pakistan army) to the Indian Army and Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini. This day was since then observed as Vijay Diwas, the word Vijay indicates Victory. Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on December 16 every year, which is known as Bijoy Diwas in Bangladesh.
According to the Free Press Journal website, the conflict between India and Pakistan was initiated due to the liberation war of Bangladesh. Bangladesh observed a Liberation war after Pakistan's ill-treatment of Bangladeshi people and undermine the election results during the then called East Pakistan. This call for secession was then raised on March 26, 1971, by east Pakistan. The Indian prime minister then expressed his support to aid Bangladesh in their struggle for independence.
Vijay Diwas Significance
The credit of India's victory over Pakistan equally goes to the Bangladesh army as well as the Indian Armed Forces. This year, the Eastern Command will host 30 freedom fighters and six serving members of Bangladesh Defence forces to commemorate Vijay Diwas 2020. Vijay Diwas on 16th December is different than the Kargil Vijay Diwas as the latter is observed on July 26. India celebrates its win over the high outposts, which had been lost to Pakistan in Kargil, Jammu. The Kargil Vijay Diwas is named after the successful Operation Vijay. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated to honour the sacrifices of the Kargil War heroes. The Prime Minister of India, too, pays homage to the soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate every year.
17:34 IST, December 15th 2020