Shankumugham all prepared to witness India's Naval might

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Preparations for Wednesday’s Navy Day celebrations are nearing completion in Shankumugham.

Fighter aircraft and warships will perform exercises as part of the celebrations.

Security has been beefed up in the area considering the arrival of President Droupadi Murmu. The full dress rehearsal held at Shankumugham beach yesterday gave a fleeting glimpse into the Indian Navy’s might.

Under the supervision of Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, fighter jets and ships performed exercises. The rehearsal began with cultural performances like Chendamelam, Mohiniyattam, Kalaripayattu, Bhootthira, Padayani, Mayura Nritham, Kathakali, and Theyyam, which showcased the cultural heritage of Kerala. The military's musical band provided a musical feast.

Later, INS Imphal, INS Udayagiri, INS Kolkata, INS Kamal, the patrol boats Tarangini and Sudarshini, missile killer boats and a submarine created a spectacle in the coastal sea. The take-off of MiG-29 aircraft from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, air lifting from helicopters and paragliding, including the excellence of the military's ingenuity, were the highlights of the event.

The hornpipe Dance performed by the Sea Cadet lifted the event with a unique charm. The rehearsal concluded with all the warships lined up in the coastal sea, decorated with lights.

The exercises will begin at 4.30 pm on Wednesday. The MH-60R helicopter will give a salute to the Indian President. MiG-29K jets taking off and landing from the aircraft carrier and combat exercises by the aircraft will also be an attraction.

Visit, board, search and seizure operations to inspect suspicious ships, helicopter-borne insertion to land commandos at the destination, via helicopter, and other small commando operations will be carried out.