Indian Army Day - 15 January
Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India to commemorate the achievements of the first Indian Commander in Chief of the Indian Army — General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Cariappa. Army Day marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens.
Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa took over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. Konderera M. Cariappa was the second person to receive the title of Field Marshal who was given the rank on 14 January 1986.
While celebrations take place across the country, the main Army Day parade is conducted in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment. The 2019 parade made a historic mark when Lieutenant Bhavana Kasturi became the first woman officer to lead an all-men Army contingent in the Republic Day parade.