Last Updated:
Vijay Diwas: On 16 December 1971, Pakistani General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi surrendered, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. India started celebrating this day as Victory Day. This day is a symbol of India’s bravery and sacrifice.
Vijay Diwas: The 1971 war between India and Pakistan began on 3 December and lasted for 13 days. On 16 December 1971, Pakistan Army Commander General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi formally surrendered to the joint forces of Mukti Bahini of India and Bangladesh. About 93,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered, the largest military surrender since World War II. That is why Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on 16 December. Which commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
This victory not only led to the birth of Bangladesh but also established India as a regional power. An estimated 3,900 Indian soldiers were martyred and hundreds were injured in this war. This day marks an important milestone in Indian history. This war changed the map of South Asia. This day is to honor the armed forces. Recalls the historic military surrender in Dhaka and the price paid for freedom and justice. On this day the country pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the armed forces.
what happened in 1971
The India-Pakistan war started on December 3, 1971 and ended after just 13 days. The reason for this was the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where civilians faced widespread violence during military operations by the Pakistani Army. Lakhs of people were affected and a large number of people were forced to leave their homes. India intervened to aid the freedom struggle of the people of East Pakistan. What started as a regional crisis soon turned into a full-scale war between the two countries.
why do we celebrate it
Vijay Diwas pays tribute to the soldiers who displayed courage and determination during the 1971 war. It keeps their sacrifice alive in the public mind and reminds the nation of the human cost behind military victories. For Bangladesh, the day marks the end of oppression and the beginning of a new nation built on the ideals of freedom and justice. It brings a sense of unity and pride to India and reinforces the importance of protecting the country’s independence.
Celebrations take place all over the country
Vijay Diwas is celebrated with celebrations and remembrance events across India. The Prime Minister pays tribute to the martyred soldiers at Amar Jawan Jyoti near India Gate in New Delhi. Similar programs are organized by the armed forces in different parts of the country. As an international gesture related to the 1971 war, a 20-member delegation from Bangladesh will participate in the Victory Day events in 2025.
It is said that this group includes eight Muktijodhas who were part of the resistance during the war, two serving officers of Bangladesh Army and their family members. Even after more than five decades, Vijay Diwas remains a special moment when history, sacrifice and national pride come together in a way that is rarely seen.
