Why is Army Day Celebrated in India? India attained independence on August 15, 1947, after slavery under British rule for almost 200 years. At the time of Indian independence, the country was experiencing communal riots refugees were coming from Pakistan and some people were migrating toward Pakistan. Due to this type of anarchic atmosphere, many administrative problems started arising when the army had to come forward to control the situation so that peace could be ensured during the partition. At the time of Indian independence, the command of the Indian army was in the hands of British General Sir Francis Butcher. So this was the right time to hand over full control of the country in the hands of the Indians; hence Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Army Chief of Independent India on 15 January 1949. Since this opportunity was very remarkable for the Indian Army, it was decided to celebrate this grand day every year in India as Army Day and since then this tradition has continued. Hence the transfer of power of the army in the hands of an Indian citizen on 15 January is marked as Army day in the country. It is celebrated every year at all the Army Command headquarters and national capital by organizing army parades including many other military shows. READ| Padma Awards (The Award of Excellence): 15 Facts at a Glance In celebration of Army Day, the parade is organized every year at the Cariappa Parade Ground of Delhi Cantonment. Its salute is taken by the Indian Army Chief. In the year 2018, the 70th Army Day was celebrated, in which Parade's salute was taken by General Bipin Rawat, and in 2019 it was taken by General M.M. Narwane.