Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026: Celebrations Begin with National Pride in Drass
Inauguration of Kargil Vijay Diwas Celebrations
The two-day Kargil Vijay Diwas festivities commenced today at the stunning Lamochen View Point, located at an elevation of 11,500 feet in Drass. The event kicked off with a ceremonial opening that was filled with patriotic enthusiasm, paying tribute to the unwavering spirit and sacrifices of Indian soldiers during the Kargil War.
Lieutenant General Ritesh Bhalla, the General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps, was the Chief Guest and raised a newly erected 82-foot-high Tricolour, symbolizing the courage and determination of the armed forces. The breathtaking scenery of notable battle sites—Batra Top, Tiger Hill, and Tololing—served as a poignant reminder of the fierce confrontations that occurred during Operation Vijay.
Honoring the Heroes
The ceremony was attended by Veer Naaris and family members of fallen soldiers, who were moved by the recounting of the battles that took place in the Dras, Kargil, and Batalik sectors from June to July 1999. The veterans' stories instilled a sense of pride and evoked memories of the valor displayed by soldiers in the face of extreme adversity.
Retired Major General Ashim Kohli, a Kargil War veteran and CEO of the Flag Foundation of India, reflected on the events of 1999, stating that the warfare of that time differs significantly from recent conflicts. He emphasized that the flag hoisting at Lamochen encapsulates the essence of those historic battles.
Tributes from Families
Family members of the martyrs gathered to honor their loved ones, expressing both pride and sorrow. Pranita Rai, the daughter of a martyr, shared her heartfelt sentiments, saying, 'We are very proud… he lost his life during the war, but there is always an emptiness in our hearts that we lost somebody we loved.'
Significant Battles of the Kargil War
The most challenging confrontations during the Kargil War occurred in Drass, particularly for strategic locations like Tololing, Tiger Hill, and Batra Top, which are situated at altitudes ranging from 16,000 to 18,000 feet.
The Battle of Tiger Hill, standing at 16,608 feet, saw the remarkable ascent by Alpha and Charlie Companies of the 18th Battalion, The Grenadiers, who scaled a 1,000-foot vertical cliff. After days of intense combat, they successfully captured the peak on July 8.
Another crucial battle unfolded at Batra Top, also known as Point 4875, which is 15,990 feet above sea level. This peak was named in honor of Captain Vikram Batra, who led the charge to seize it during the Kargil War.
Legacy of Captain Vikram Batra
Captain Batra became a symbol of bravery during the Kargil War. This young officer, known as 'Shershaah,' made the ultimate sacrifice on July 7, 1999, while fighting at Point 4875, which was later renamed 'Batra Top' in his memory.
Commemoration of Kargil Vijay Diwas
Kargil Vijay Diwas is observed every year on July 26 to honor the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the 84-day conflict that began following Pakistan's infiltration on May 5, 1999.