Parakram Diwas celebrated in Rajasthan on the occasion of 51st anniversary of Longewala battle

Tags: Important Days

To mark the 51st anniversary of India's victory in the Longewala battle during the 1971 war, Parakram Diwas celebrated at Jaisalmer Military Station and Longewala War Memorial in Rajasthan on December 5.

Important facts

• Several programs were organised at the Sagat Singh Stadium on the occasion. It included a band display, daredevils motorcycle stunts, mixed martial arts, mallakhamb, show jumping, musical performance, parachute free fall etc.

About Longewala battle between India and Pakistan

• The Battle of Longewala was one of the biggest and most decisive battles fought between India and Pakistan in 1971.

• The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 began on 3 December, with the main thrust of the Indian Army focused on East Pakistan (erstwhile Bangladesh).

• The Battle was fought between 120 Indian soldiers and 4 Hawker Aircraft and around 2000 to 3000 Pakistani military forces and 30-40 tanks.

• This battle is famous as the Battle of Thermopylae in India, which describes the victory of a small army against a much larger military force.

• This battle caused heavy losses to the Pakistani army, where around 200 soldiers were killed.

• The Pakistani commanders made several questionable decisions which made them surrender the war and lose the battle.

• The Thar Desert of Rajasthan became a battleground between the Indian Armed Forces and the Pakistani Army in the Battle of Longewala.

• The Battle of Longewala broke out on 3 December and was fought between 4 and 7 December 1971.