Tarkarli is a quaint coastal village in Maharashtra, and home to stunning white sand beaches and serene temples. This beautiful beach was witness to the supersonic speed and sound of MIG-29K and LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Tejas on December 4, as the Indian Navy celebrated the Navy Day at Tarkarli in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The setting sun and the the magnificent Sindhudurg fort formed the perfect backdrop as Aces of the Indian naval aviation performed stunning stunts in the sky.
“जलमेव यस्य, बलमेव तस्य"—the one who controls the sea is all powerful. Indian Navy showcased its operational prowess, battle preparedness and other capabilities with several demonstrations. It was hosted by Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff. Modi unveiled the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort in Malvan at 4.15pm and attended the celebrations along with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan. Local populace had thronged to the beach at Tarkarli to witness Navy Day celebrations and parade.
The rehearsals went on from November 29 to December 3.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the guard of honour during the Navy Day ceremony on Tarkarli beach in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra | Amey Mansabdar
Demonstration of the the destruction of an enemy oil rig, during the Navy Day ceremony rehearsal on Tarkarli beach in Maharashtra | Amey Mansabdar
MH60 Romeo helicopters display their skills on Tarkarli beach during the Navy day ceremony | Amey Mansabdar
P-8I displays its skill on Tarkarli beach during the Navy Day ceremony rehearsal | Amey Mansabdar
Dignitaries watch the Navy Day ceremony on Tarkarli beach in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra | Amey Mansabdar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives a memento from Admiral R. Hari Kumar during the Navy Day ceremony on Tarkarli beach in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra | Amey Mansabdar
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends the Navy Day ceremony held on Tarkarli beach in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra | Amey Mansabdar
Locals and schoolchildren on the Tarkarli beach to watch the Navy Day ceremony rehearsal | Amey Mansabdar
Marine commandos display their skills during critical enemy insurgence demonstration on Tarkarli beach during the Navy Day ceremony rehearsal | Amey Mansabdar
INS Vikramaditya anchored in the Arabian Sea during the Navy Day ceremony rehearsal | Amey Mansabdar
CDS General Anil Chauhan attends the Navy Day ceremony | Amey Mansabdar
Marine commandos display their skills on Tarkarli beach during the Navy Day ceremony rehearsal | Amey Mansabdar
The demonstration began with the Marine Commandos of the Indian Navy. Six marine commandos jumped from the ALH helicopter from 8000ft. Around 10 minutes later, they landed on the podium in front of the chief guest, PM Modi. They were presented mementos. The commandos then demonstrated slithering operation on Gemini boats and beach assault and neutralising enemy post in the sea.
Twenty warships, along with INS Vikramaditya, participated. Around two nautical miles from the beach, INS Vinaash and INS Vipul demonstrated the surface-to-surface missile launch. Various helicopters drills were displayed by the Sea King 42, MH60 Romeo, Kamov 31, ALH (Advance Light Helicopter) and Chetak. As sun was about to set, five MIG-29K flew past, along with MIG-29K, LCA Tejas, Surveillance aircraft Dornier and Poseidon-8I.
During the closing ceremony, the naval band performed continuity drill, and the Sea Cadet Corps did the Hornpipe dance. The Beating Retreat Ceremony culminated in the lowering of the national flag. The warships, which are anchored in the Arabian Sea, were illuminated and laser show held on the Sidhudurg fort.