Ceremonials

D (Ceremonial)

Section D(Ceremonials) of Ministry of Defence is primarily responsible for conduct of national functions like the Republic Day Parade, Beating Retreat Ceremony, Martyrs’ Day and Independence Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony in coordination with various executing agencies. The Ministry also organizes the Defence Investiture Ceremonies for presentation of gallantry and distinguished service awards at Rashtrapati Bhawan in association with the President’s Secretariat.

Republic Day Celebrations:

1. Wreath laying by the Prime Minister at Amar Jawan Jyoti (India Gate) (26th January- before the parade)
2. Republic day Parade (26th January)
3. Beating Retreat ceremony at Vijay Chowk (29th January)
4. Martyrs’ Day on 30th January at Rajghat.

Independent Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony at Red Fort, Delhi (15th August):

1. Presentation of Guard of Honour to the Prime Minister
2. Unfurling of the National Flag and presentation of National Salute accompanied by 21 Gun Salute
3. Address by the Prime Minister
4. Singing of National anthem by school children from Delhi and NCC Cadets..

Vijay Diwas

1. Celebrated every year on 16th December to pay homage to the martyrs and commemorate the extreme sacrifice made by the Indian Armed Forces in various operations.
2. On this occasion, the Raksha Mantri lays wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti (India Gate)

HONOURS & AWARDS

Every year on the occasion of Republic Day and Independence Day, awards (Gallantry/Distinguished service) are announced for officers/personnel of the Armed Forces, other lawfully constituted Forces and civilians. While both gallantry and distinguished service awards are announced on the Republic Day, on the Independence Day only gallantry awards are announced.

The awards of gallantry and distinguished service are given for the following acts/service:

GALLANTRY AWARDS

1. Param Vir Chakra For most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent act of self sacrifice in the presence of the enemy.
2. Maha Vir Chakra For conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
3. Vir Chakra For gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
4. Ashoka Chakra For most conspicuous bravery or some act of daring or pre-eminent valour or self sacrifice otherwise than in the face of the enemy.
5. Kirti Chakra For conspicuous gallantry other wise than in the face of the enemy.
6. Shaurya Chakra For gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

1. Param Vishisht Seva Medal For distinguished service of the most exceptional order.
2. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal For distinguished service of an exceptional order.
3. Vishisht Seva Medal For distinguished service of a high order.
4. Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal For distinguished service of the most exceptional order during War/conflict/hostilities.
5. Uttam Yudh Seva Medal For distinguished service of an exceptional order during war/conflict/hostilities.
6. Yuddh Seva Medal For distinguished service of a high order during war/conflict/hostilities .
7. Sena/Nao Sena/Vayu Awarded for both i.e. courageous acts as well as Sena Medal for devotion to duty.(SM, NM, VM)

The following gallantry awards were announced on the eve of Independence Day, 2012:

( ) posthumous cases

OTHER IMPORTANT DUTIES :

1. State and Military funerals
2. Foreign honours and awards.
3. Presentation of Regimental Colours/ Squadron’s Standards.
4. Implementation of MHA Orders on National Flag/National Anthem/Emblem in Ministry of Defence
5. Ceremonies connected with President’s visits to various parts of the country.