Every year on July 26, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated, also known as Kargil Vijay Diwas. It is celebrated in honour of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1999 battle. The occasion celebrates the valour and sacrifice that Indian soldiers showed during the bloody and long conflict.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Significance
Every year on 26th July, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated to honour the supreme sacrifice made by Indian soldiers during the 1999 Kargil War. 527 Indian soldiers lost their lives in this battle that took place in the Kargil region of Jammu and Kashmir. The conflict broke out when the Pakistani army stealthily infiltrated into Indian territory and took control of important hill posts. Despite difficult mountainous terrain and bad weather, the Indian Army fought valiantly to take back these posts. India was declared the winner when the Pakistani army was forced to retreat. Kargil Vijay Diwas honours the bravery and selflessness of the warriors who risked their lives to protect India’s sovereignty. As a tribute to their bravery and grit in protecting the country’s borders, it is celebrated annually with much devotion and enthusiasm.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: History
Tensions between the two countries have existed since 1971, when a major conflict broke out between the two neighbours that led to the creation of Bangladesh. They have been fighting for control of the Siachen Glacier by establishing military outposts on nearby mountain ranges, although direct combat conflicts have been rare. The situation worsened when both countries tested their nuclear weapons in 1998. In an attempt to reduce tensions, they signed the Lahore Declaration in February 1999, which called for a bilateral, peaceful solution to the Kashmir dispute.
In the Drass and Batalik sectors of the Kargil, Ladakh region, the Pakistani armed forces secretly trained and sent men across the Line of Control (LOC) to occupy fortified posts overlooking NH 1A during the winter of 1998-1999. Their goal was to gain influence over local military and civilian movements. Initially, the Indian Army thought the infiltrators were radical terrorists or “jihadis”. But as things progressed, it became clear that the attack was a component of a larger, more systematic plan. The Indian side was forced to respond by sending a massive force of about 200,000 men into the area.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: Ways to Celebrate
- Kargil Vijay Diwas slogan: Nationalistic slogans like “Jai Hind” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai” reverberate throughout the ceremony. The bravery of the warriors is celebrated with slogans like “Kargil Vijay, Amar Rahe!” and “Shaheedon Amar Raho!”
- Laying of floral tributes: Dignitaries including military commanders and political figures at the memorial lay floral tributes in memory of the martyrs of the Kargil War and observe a few minutes of silence to honour their sacrifice.
- International Remembrance: To pay tribute and honour the sacrifices of the soldiers, Indian embassies and consulates across the world organise events such as flag hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes and discussions.
- Cultural events: Events highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage are held around the world. These events serve to strengthen the bonds of patriotism and solidarity between the overseas Indians and local communities.
