Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15th to commemorate Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa becoming the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949 after independence. On this day, the army pays tribute to fallen soldiers at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial in New Delhi. An excellent parade is then held showcasing new military technologies and accomplishments, and bravery awards are distributed to honor acts of valor by members of the Indian Army.