Why is December 16 celebrated as Vijay Diwas?

New Delhi: Each year, December 16 is celebrated as 'Vijay Diwas' to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in 1971. The victory is unique and unparalleled as it was on this day that 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered to the Indian Army eventuating in subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.

The end of the war also resulted in the unilateral and unconditional surrender of the Pakistan Army and subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh.

While it was a big day for Bangladesh, as it meant the secession of East Pakistan into the country, this win was also a proud moment for the Indian Army. It was, after all, the first war after World War II that we had won conclusively. This day is also commemorated in Bangladesh as Bijoy Dibos

On 16 December every year, Citizens, senior officials, students & war veterans lay wreaths and remember the sacrifices of the soldiers. The anniversary of Vijay Divas is observed across India by paying tributes to the Indian martyrs who laid down their lives for liberating Bangladesh from Pakistan. 

The India-Pakistan war began on December 16, 1971. It was one of the shortest wars (13 days) but saw one of the biggest surrenders. 

While it was a big day for Bangladesh, as it meant the secession of East Pakistan into the country, this win was also a proud moment for the Indian Army.

After a 14-day war, Pakistani troops in East Pakistan under Lt Gen AAK Niazi, Cdr Pakistan Army Eastern Command surrendered to the Indian Army. A new nation was born and India's commitment to Bangladesh was fulfilled,

A delegation of 58 Mukti Joddhas (freedom fighters) and serving officers of the Bangladesh Armed Forces on Monday reached Kolkata on the invitation of the Eastern Command to participate in Vijay Diwas celebrations on December 16.

Vijay Diwas is celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan during the 1971 War that eventually led to the liberation of Bangladesh on December 16.