Indian Army Day is celebrated every year on 15 January. On this occasion, people respect and pay tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. This year marks the 76th anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera M Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, taking over the reins from the British in 1949.

Theme of Army Day 2024:

The theme of 2024 Indian Army Day is “In the Service of the Nation” which deeply resonates with the values and commitment of the Indian Army.
It reflects the Indian Army's motto, "Service Before Self", which shows that Army officers always give priority to the security of the nation. The objective of the theme is to inspire the youth to love and respect the country.

Celebration of Indian Army Day 2024:

This year the 76th Army Day was celebrated in Lucknow (UP) and the parade was led by the Central Command of the Army, based in Lucknow.
The Central Command is one of the seven groups of the Indian Army. Last year in 2023, the Southern Command was in charge of the parade in Bengaluru.
The Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj, stated that the Indian Army will observe 2024 as the 'Year of Technology Absorption', a theme that emphasizes the Army's focus and efforts to use technology as a catalyst for transformative change.

History of Indian Army Day:

January 15 is celebrated to commemorate the day in 1949 when General KM Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
General Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.

Importance of Indian Army Day:

Indian Army Day is a day to commemorate General KM Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander in Chief of the Indian Army and a day to honor the many brave soldiers who have given their lives for the country.
On this day, the Indian Army holds military parades and demonstrations in the national capital as well as other army headquarters spread across the country. The primary parade occurs at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment.