Why December 4 Is Celebrated As Indian Navy Day Every Year

India is commemorating its 48th Navy Day today. Every year, December 4 marks a day to pay tribute to the Indian Navy's achievements and to the sacrifices made by its personnel.

But why is it celebrated on December 4??

December 4 commemorates Operation Trident - the attack launched by the Indian Navy on Karachi harbor during 1971's Indo-Pakistan war. For the first time ever, an anti-ship missile was used in the operation.

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?The operation took place on the night of December 4-5 and it was successful in inflicting heavy damage on Pakistani vessels. India, however, did not suffer any loss during the operation. The Indian Navy managed to sink four Pakistani vessels as part of the operation and ravaged Karachi harbour fuel fields in Pakistan. The three Indian Navy warships that played an important role in the attack were:?

• INS Nipat
• ?INS Nirghat
• ?INS Veer

The Indian Navy fleet took the Gujarat's Okha Port towards Pakistani waters to attack the Karachi port. The fleet reached 70 miles south of Karachi at night.

Missiles were fired? and the Pakistani vessel, PNS Khaibar, sank.?The Indian Indian Navy personnel who were part of this successful operation were honoured with gallantry awards.

But that is not the only reason Indian Navy Day is commemorated. It is also celebrated every year to? work towards securing marine borders and strengthening relationships with other countries through joint exercises, humanitarian missions and other operations.

A Beating Retreat ceremony is organised every year by the Indian Navy at Gateway of India in Mumbai on the eve of the Navy Day. The Indian Naval Band performs at places between Gateway of India and Radio Club in Mumbai. The Indian Navy opens the warships and aircraft to visitors, especially school children.

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The Indian Navy, as most people know, is the marine branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Its Commander-in-Chief is the President of India. The Maratha emperor Chhatarpati Shivaji Bhosle, is considered as 'Father of the Indian Navy'.

Currently, the Indian Navy stands as the seventh largest in the world. Hats off to all the men and women who work to keep us safe - they deserve to be honoured, not just on December 4, but all days of the year.