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Ordnance Factories Day in India is celebrated to honour the Ordnance Factory Board’s significant contributions to the country’s defence needs.
Ordnance Factories Day is observed on March 18 every year in India. (Image: Shutterstock)
Ordnance Factories Day is observed on March 18 every year in India to honour the Ordnance Factory Board’s (OFB) important contributions to the country’s defence requirements. Ordnance Factories Day is a chance to honour the OFB’s inventive spirit and technological innovations. To highlight the most recent advancements in weapons and manufacturing techniques, parades, exhibits, and award ceremonies are staged throughout different factories.
Across the nation, Ordnance Factories Day is celebrated annually with much fanfare and opulence. Here are some considerations to make as we prepare to celebrate the momentous day.
Ordnance Factories Day 2025: Date
Ordnance Factories Day is celebrated on March 18 each year. The big day falls on a Tuesday this year.
Ordnance Factories Day: History
The British East India Company recognised the rising need for weapons and ammunition for the Indian army when it was a British colony. At Fort William in Kolkata, the Board of Ordnance was established in 1775.
A gun carriage factory was established in Cossipore, Kolkata, in 1787, and followed by setting up a gunpowder factory in Ishapore. It is now called Gun and Shell Factory, Cossipore.
Following India’s 1947 declaration of independence, the Indian government took control of the Ordnance Factories. On March 18, people celebrate Ordnance Factories Day, which honours the founding of the Ordnance Factory in Cossipore, Kolkata.
Ordnance Factories Day 2025: Significance
The Indian Ordnance Factories hold many events on this day to highlight their accomplishments. This day is also intended to celebrate the employees of Indian Ordnance industries who dedicate their lives to serving the country by supplying the Indian Armed Forces with the highest calibre of weapons and ammunition.
Ordnance Factories Day 2025: All You Need To Know
- These days, every nation needs to have a strong supply of weapons and ammunition for its military.
- According to the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), the Ordnance Factories structure currently consists of 41 factories, divided into five operational divisions.
- Along with producing a vast array of goods for land, sea, and air systems, they also form a defence production conglomerate.
- Joining the Army, Air Force, and Navy as the nation’s four arms of defence, OFB is widely regarded and recognised.
Ordnance Factories Day: How Is It Celebrated?
The day begins with the raising of the national flag and the singing of the national anthem in remembrance of the OFBs’ noble contribution. Afterwards, every Ordnance Factory celebrates by showcasing their firearms, rifles, artillery, ammunition, and other items in displays across India.