Puri, Nov 27: The Indian Navy is preparing to showcase its maritime power and operational capabilities on December 4, with a grand demonstration along the Blue Flag Beach in Puri.
This event, marking Navy Day, will commemorate the Navy's important role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and celebrate its achievements over the years. It will be the first-ever Navy Day celebration in Puri, a city that is not traditionally a naval base.
The highlight of the event will be an ‘Operational Demonstration,’ which will be witnessed by the President of India and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, Droupadi Murmu, along with several dignitaries and the general public.
Defence sources revealed that the demonstration will feature a dazzling display of naval strength, with at least 24 warships and 40 aircraft, including helicopters and fighter jets, performing synchronized aerial and water-based maneuvers.
The exercises are designed to showcase the Navy's diverse operational abilities and enhance maritime awareness among the people of Odisha.
Scheduled between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm, the event will culminate in a spectacular laser show. The Indian Navy has collaborated closely with the Odisha government and local authorities to ensure a smooth and successful event.
Local spectators and tourists will have the opportunity to view the demonstration from the beach, with arrangements in place to accommodate the large crowd. Sources indicated that approximately 7,500 invited guests are expected to attend.
In preparation for the event, full-dress rehearsals for the Operational Demonstration will be held on December 2 and 3, as announced by Odisha’s Director General of Police, YB Khurania.
He further stated that 40 spectator zones will be set up at Blue Flag Beach, allowing visitors to observe the Navy’s warships and aircraft up close.
To ensure the safety and smooth execution of the event, the Odisha Police have implemented tight security measures. Around 80 platoons of police personnel, along with 300 officers, will be stationed in Puri. The entire area will be under CCTV surveillance, and the police will closely monitor vehicular movement between Bhubaneswar and Puri on December 4 to prevent any traffic disruptions along the highway.
The Navy Day celebrations are expected to be a major event, highlighting India’s naval capabilities while providing an exciting experience for all those in attendance.