Shaurya Sandhya, motorcycle display kick off Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations

Published 25 July 2026 · india

A Shaurya Sandhya honouring the indomitable courage displayed by Indian soldiers during the Kargil conflict, a musical presentation by the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Band

A Shaurya Sandhya honouring the indomitable courage displayed by Indian soldiers during the Kargil conflict, a musical presentation by the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre Band, and a motorcycle display by 'Shwet Ashwa' are among a host of events lined up in Dras, for July 25-26 to mark the 27th anniversary of Operation Vijay. The iconic Kargil War Memorial at Dras will be the focal point of these thematic events spread over multiple venues, including a forward post area – Sando Top – in the Dras Sector. The commemoration will begin on Saturday (July 25, 2026), the eve of the anniversary, with Yudh Sansmaran at the picturesque Lamochen view point overlooking the historic Kargil battlefield. “The occasion marks the glorious victory of 1999 when Indian soldiers, braving snow-clad peaks and relentless firing by Pakistani troops, reclaimed the heights of Kargil with unmatched courage and unwavering resolve,” officials said. “On Saturday (July 25, 2026), morning, a ‘Yudh Sansmaran’ will commence with a 33-minute video clip, recounting the Kargil war and the country’s triumph under Operation Vijay, followed by a 17-minute commemorative clip honouring the 40 Kargil bravehearts whose next of kin will be in attendance, highlighting their extraordinary acts of courage, valour and supreme sacrifice,” the officials said.

“Major General Amit Prakash Singh, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Forever in Operations Division, senior Army officers, Kargil war veterans, ‘Veer Naris’ and ‘Veer Matas’ will be present on the occasion,” they said. Operation Vijay was the name given to India's limited war against Pakistan after the neighbouring country's infiltration in 1999. Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorates the culmination of Operation Vijay on July 26, 1999. On Saturday (July 25, 2026), afternoon, a ‘Gauravmaya Sanskriti’ event will be organised at the Vishwanathan Stadium in Dras – a vibrant cultural showcase celebrating the spirit of patriotism, India's rich cultural heritage, courage and professionalism of the Indian Army. Lieutenant General Madanraj Pande, GOC of Leh-based Fire and Fury Corps, will be the chief guest at the event. A grand banquet, ’Vijay Bhoj’ at the 16 Grenadiers Officers’ Mess, will be hosted by the Army in the afternoon to mark the success of Operation Vijay. In the evening, the Army will host a ‘Shaurya Sandhya’ at the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, which will be attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who is scheduled to reach here on Saturday (July 25, 2026).