Full Dress Rehearsals Across Kashmir Preview 76th Republic Day Celebrations
Ahead of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, full dress rehearsal events took place across Kashmir on Friday, offering a preview of the grand festivities set for January 26. The rehearsals served as a vital part of preparations for the upcoming Republic Day parade.
In Srinagar, the event was held at Bakshi Stadium, where Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, unfurled the National Flag, took the salute during the March Past, and inspected the parade and band contingents. Speaking at the occasion, the Div Com highlighted key developmental milestones and administrative achievements in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing progress on the path to peace and prosperity. He also lauded the recent inauguration of the Sonmarg Tunnel by the Prime Minister, which will ensure year-round road connectivity to the region, boosting tourism. Additionally, he expressed confidence in the future realization of a railway link between Kashmir and Kanyakumari and celebrated successful events like the Kashmir Marathon and Legends League Cricket.
The Divisional Commissioner also acknowledged the peaceful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, crediting the collaborative efforts of the police, security forces, civil administration, and voters. He commended the swift restoration of essential services like electricity and water during recent snow disruptions and underscored the administration’s intensified efforts to combat the drug menace.
The march-past featured contingents from BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, JKAP, IRP, NCC, students, and various emergency services. Senior officials including IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, and representatives from security agencies attended the event, while students and artists performed vibrant cultural programs.
In Ganderbal, Deputy Commissioner Shyambir led the full dress rehearsal at Qamaria Stadium, unfurling the tricolor and reviewing the parade. He highlighted the district’s efforts in ensuring a seamless Republic Day celebration and commended the participating contingents, which included JKP, CRPF, and local school students. Cultural performances added to the festive spirit, with students presenting patriotic songs and folk dances.
Anantnag also held a successful rehearsal at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College, where Additional District Development Commissioner Abdul Aziz Sheikh reviewed the march-past and delivered a speech on the district’s progress in areas such as road development, social welfare, and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
In Bandipora, the full dress rehearsal at S.K. Stadium was led by ADDC Mohammad Ashraf Bhatt, who inspected the parade and delivered a speech on the district’s developmental achievements. Cultural performances by school students and a skit on government initiatives further enlivened the occasion.
Kulgam’s rehearsal took place at the District Police Lines, where ADDC Bashir Ahmad Wani unfurled the flag and took the salute during the march-past. The event showcased the district’s ongoing efforts to enhance health, education, and infrastructure.
Similar rehearsals were held across other districts, including Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kupwara, with officials unfurling the flag, inspecting the parades, and taking salutes at various venues. These rehearsals saw participation from a range of contingents including security forces, local police, NCC cadets, and school students, and featured colorful cultural programs that captured the region’s patriotism and vibrant cultural heritage.
In addition to district-level rehearsals, similar events were conducted in sub-divisions and educational institutions across the region, ensuring widespread participation and a unified celebration in anticipation of the Republic Day festivities.
