Shaurya Gatha
Losar, celebrated in Ladakh in December or January, marks the start of the Tibetan lunar calendar. The festivities include rituals, offerings to deities, and prayers for prosperity and harmony. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with bright colors, while families come together to share special meals. Monasteries host vibrant cultural performances, including the mesmerizing cham dances, reflecting Ladakh's rich Buddhist culture.
Rann Utsav is an annual cultural festival celebrated in the vibrant white desert of the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. This enchanting event, typically held from November to February, showcases the rich heritage, art, crafts, music, dance, and cuisine of Gujarat. Visitors can enjoy traditional folk performances, camel rides, tent accommodations, and breathtaking views of the moonlit salt flats.
The Reh Festival is celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly among the Idu Mishmi tribe. According to traditional customs, the festival is expected to take place in February 2025. This colorful celebration is dedicated to the worship of deities for prosperity, fertility and well-being. It features unique rituals, grand feasts and cultural performances that unite the community, strengthen bonds and preserve the tribe's rich heritage.
The Jaisalmer Desert Festival, held near Longewala in Rajasthan, celebrates the vibrant culture and heritage of the Thar Desert. Set against golden dunes, the festival features folk music, dance performances, camel races, turban-tying contests, and traditional crafts. Visitors can also enjoy attractions like puppet shows and stunning desert sunsets, offering an authentic Rajasthani experience.
The Indian Army's D5 Motorcycle Expedition, commemorating the 25th anniversary of India's 1999 Kargil War victory, was flagged off by the Chief of the Army Staff at the National War Memorial, New Delhi. The expedition began on June 12, 2024, from Dinjan, Dwarka, and Dhanushkodi, with three teams of eight motorcyclists traversing diverse terrains to reach Delhi.
On 11 December 1971, Indian Army paratroopers descended over East Pakistan, advancing Bangladesh's liberation. On 15 August 2021, Jaisalmer’s sky mirrored this, celebrating 75 years of Independence. The Indian Air Force organized a 'Tri-Services Skydive' at Chandan Range, Rajasthan, as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ commemorative activities.
The Indian Army's hosted a grand mega boat race at the Teesta-Mahananda Link Canal in Gajoldoba to commemorate 75 years of Indian Independence. Seventeen teams participated, including the Army, Air Force, CAPF, and NCC. This event featured martial arts performances by Kripan Division soldiers, was filled with enthusiastic spectators, including veterans who cheered on the participants.
An eight-day Land Yachting Expedition to mark the Silver
Jubilee of the Corps of Army Air Defence was flagged off from Dhordo,
Kutch. The 15-member team will cover 400 km across the barren, flat
lands of Rann,
exploring Dharamshala, Shaktibet, and Dhordo, while promoting
environmental awareness and inspiring youths to pursue military careers.
