Victory Day is a momentous occasion in Bangladesh, observed with great reverence and enthusiasm across the nation. Celebrated annually on December 16, it commemorates the historic victory of Bangladesh in the Liberation War of 1971. On this day, the Pakistani forces formally surrendered at the Racecourse Ground (now Suhrawardy Udyan) in Dhaka. The surrender of approximately 91,634 troops marked the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state.
The day begins with a 31-gun salute at dawn, symbolizing the start of celebrations. A grand military parade is held at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka, where members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force participate. The President or Prime Minister of Bangladesh receives the salute during the parade. Additionally, people from all walks of life, including government officials, political leaders, and ordinary citizens, gather at the National Martyrsâ Memorial in Savar to pay their respects to the brave heroes who sacrificed their lives for the countryâs independence.
The Victory Day festivities include cultural events, discussion programs, and special ceremonies organized in towns and cities across the country. Major streets are adorned with national flags, and special tributes are offered at significant memorial sites.
Victory Day is not just a celebration of history but a proud symbol of unity, patriotism, and resilience. It reminds us of the sacrifices made for the nationâs freedom and inspires future generations to cherish and uphold the values of independence.
@DeniGu,
In Bangladesh, we observe Martyred Intellectuals Day on December 14 and Victory Day on December 16.
A Brief Background:
After a nine-month-long war in 1971, Bangladesh achieved independence on December 16, 1971. Until independence, the Pakistani invading forces inflicted unbearable atrocities on the people of Bangladesh. From the beginning of December, they realized their defeat and planned to make Bangladesh meritless. According to the plan, on December 14, a total of 1,111 intellectuals (991 academics, 13 journalists, 49 doctors, 42 lawyers, and 16 others) were killed. For this reason, Martyred Intellectuals Day is observed in Bangladesh on 14 December. Then on December 16, we won; Bangladesh became independent.
Hey, let me tell you about this incredible day in history - December 16, 1971 when Bangladesh was born after one intense fight for freedom!
The Epic Victory
Picture this: after nine brutal months of war, the Pakistani forces finally threw in the towel and surrendered to the combined forces of Bangladesh and India
1 . This went down at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka, where Pakistani General A.A.K. Niazi had to sign the surrender papers in front of thousands of cheering people
3 .
The Road to Freedom
The whole thing kicked off when West Pakistan tried to shut down protests in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) with Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971
4 . Bad move - it turned into a full-blown war. The Bengali people werenât having it anymore and fought back hard with their guerrilla fighters, known as the Mukti Bahini, backed up by India
4 .
The Human Cost
This wasnât just some small conflict - weâre talking about one of the 20th centuryâs most violent wars:
Honoring Our Heroes: Martyred Intellectuals Day and Victory Day in Bangladesh
December is a significant month for Bangladesh, as we observe two crucial national days: Martyred Intellectuals Day(āĻļāĻšā§āĻĻ āĻŦā§āĻĻā§āĻ§āĻŋāĻā§āĻŦāĻŋ āĻĻāĻŋāĻŦāĻ¸) on December 14 and Victory Day(āĻŦāĻŋāĻā§ āĻĻāĻŋāĻŦāĻ¸) on December 16. These days commemorate the sacrifices of our intellectuals and freedom fighters who played pivotal roles in achieving our independence.
Martyred Intellectuals Day (āĻļāĻšā§āĻĻ āĻŦā§āĻĻā§āĻ§āĻŋāĻā§āĻŦāĻŋ āĻĻāĻŋāĻŦāĻ¸)
December 14 is a solemn day when we remember the intellectuals who were systematically targeted and killed in the final days of the Liberation War in 1971. The Pakistani military and their local collaborators sought to weaken the nation by eliminating its educators, doctors, journalists, and cultural icons.
Wreath-laying ceremonies at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur, Dhaka.
Seminars and discussions that highlight the contributions of these intellectuals.
Educational programs designed to teach future generations about their sacrifices.
Martyred Intellectuals Day reminds us to cherish the vision of these individuals and to work toward preserving their legacy.
Victory Day (āĻŦāĻŋāĻā§ āĻĻāĻŋāĻŦāĻ¸)
December 16, known as Victory Day, celebrates Bangladeshâs triumph in the Liberation War. On this day in 1971, the Pakistani military officially surrendered, bringing an end to a brutal nine-month struggle for independence and marking the birth of a sovereign nation.
A 21-gun salute and the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag.
Tributes at the National Martyrsâ Memorial in Savar, where people gather to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Military parades, cultural events, and vibrant decorations featuring the national colors of red and green.
Victory Day represents the unity and resilience of the Bangladeshi people and is a moment to reflect on how far the nation has come since gaining independence.
A Patriotic Reminder
As we honor the martyrs and heroes of 1971, also to the new Victory of 2024, let us recommit to building a prosperous and inclusive Bangladesh. I encourage my fellow Local Guides to explore, document, and share the beauty of our history with the world. Together, we can ensure the sacrifices of our past continue to inspire a brighter future.
In Bangladesh, we celebrate December 16th as Victory Day. On 16 December 1971, Bangladesh became an independent country. Previously it was part of Pakistan named as East Pakistan.
Hello @DeniGu, Iâm from Barishal, Bangladesh. December is a very special month for us as we celebrate our Victory Day on December 16th. This day marks Bangladeshâs victory in the Liberation War of 1971, which led to our independence.
Visiting Historical Sites:
In Barishal, many people gather at significant sites like the 30 Godown Boddhobhumi (mass killing ground) to pay tribute to the martyrs. This place holds deep historical value as it commemorates the sacrifices made during the war.
Cultural Programs and Community Rallies:
Schools, colleges, and local organizations arrange cultural events, patriotic songs, and poetry recitations. Additionally, our local cycling group rally takes place where cyclists ride together with flags, spreading the message of freedom and unity. The whole city is adorned with national flags and red and green decorations, representing our flagâs colors.
Victory Day Parade:
Local parades and rallies take place early in the morning, where people carry flags and banners, walking through the streets in honor of the day. Participants from various organizations, such as schools, colleges, madrasas, scouts, BNCC, and the police, gather at the Bells Park Parade Ground to participate in the joyful Victory Day event, organized by the district administration. Morning snacks are also provided to all participants as part of the celebration.
Google Maps Contributions:
Google Maps helps us mark significant historical locations like the 30 Godown Boddhobhumi so that others can learn about its importance. I also upload photos, reviews, and contributions to ensure that visitors and history enthusiasts can find detailed information.
Itâs a day filled with pride, unity, and remembrance of the sacrifices made for our independence. Hereâs a photo from December 2019 of a Victory Day celebration of our cycling groups in Bells Park Ground that captures the spirit of the day.
Em dezembro Ê um mÃĒs muito especial para nÃŗs Brasileiros. Gostamos de reunir com a familia e amigos para celebrar a vida. SÃŖo duas datas que costumaos encontrar nossos entes queridos. A primeira e no natal e outra e no ano novo. Nada melhor que iniciar o ano novo do lado de pessoas que amamos.
@DeniGu Amo las fiestas de Navidad y aÃąo nuevo, en Buenos Aires se aprovecha mucho ya que hay un dÃa donde los locales de todo tipo mÃĄs en o shopping quedan abiertos para que la gente compre sus regalos
Such an interesting post and poll dear @DeniGu ! Well I see a lotof Christmas decor in Mumbai now ! Recently I even went to a women owned small business Christmas market in my vicinity. Here is a glimpse of the same : Christmas market Expo to support small local businesses
guys,
We will celebrate Christmas on 24th December. This is when we gather as a family, sing carols, eat carp with a potato salad, and give out giveaway presents .
I like this season for thematic decorations .
Hola @DeniGu, acÃĄ en Uruguay hay tres fechas de festejo, 8, 25 y 1ro. de enero. La primera, tiene mÃĄs que nada, un toque religioso con la bendiciÃŗn de las aguas y el armado del ÃĄrbol de Navidad. La del 25, es por excelencia, la de las reuniones familiares y la llegada de PapÃĄ Noel. En la Ãēltima, se espera, el primer minuto del AÃąo Nuevo, con talismanes, para la suerte, prosperidad y salud, se comen 12 uvas; para que no te falten viajes y excursiones, se dan una vuelta con una maleta por el vecindario. Para sacar las energÃas negativas, se tira una balde de agua y para evitar la envidia, una prenda Ãntima de color rojo.
ParadÃŗjicamente, pese a que estamos en el verano austral, las comidas siguen las tradiciones de nuestros predecesores europeos, Pan Dulce, BudÃn InglÊs, Turrones y otros alimentos del Norte.
Saludos desde Uruguay
Even though it was not planned, I have spent the last few years of my life in Spain, and I have especially enjoyed the experience of living in Asturias. Its people are warm, friendly, and although shy and conservative, they are quite empathetic.
A couple of months ago, I moved to the capital city of this region: Oviedo, a place with architecture that combines the modernity of the last century and the opulence of the 19th century.
Over time, I have come to understand that Christmas lights are a symbol of our era. However, in my view, they are not only repetitive and dull but also lack the collective festive spirit that Christmas signifies. While I enjoy their visual dopamine rush, they remind me of the absence of electricity in other parts of the world.
Oviedo is one of the cities in Spain that, even with an abundance of Christmas lighting, has preserved its aesthetic. It does not feel overwhelming because it remains sober, creating an experience that is both harmonious and charming.
Best wishes to everyone reading this, and I hope what I have written proves to be useful.
What a cool topic!
I love this time of year!
Itâs a time when we can be closer to those we donât get to see during the year, plan new plans for the new year, and experience the magic of Christmas for children.
Here we celebrate Christmas and New Yearâs!
However, Canada is a multicultural country, so many families have other celebrations.
December a holiday month? I really cannot answer this because Jewish holidays go by the Jewish calendar. So, in many cases (like this year) Hanukkah (in the Jewish month of KISLEV) falls in December near Christmas, but sometimes itâs a month separate.
More than that â Hanukkah is relatively a marginal Jewish holiday, and got its glory mainly from the proximity to Christmas. Itâs actually not a formal holiday â in Israel schools are closed, but work places are open and working.
For us, the main month of holidays is TISHREY, which typically falls around September, with the Jewish New Year, Yom Kippur and other holidays.
But hey, there are 15M Jews in the world and 8,000-15 M Non-Jews so I cannot say September or Tishrey is a holiday month.
Still, I feel strange saying December is the holiday season.
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guys,
on 24th December. This is when we gather as a family, sing carols, eat carp with a potato salad, and give out giveaway presents 
.
.
