Full Dress Rehearsals Inspire patriotic fervor ahead of 79th Independence Day in Kashmir
Srinagar | A: In a vibrant display of patriotism and unity, full-dress rehearsals for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebrations unfolded Tuesday across Kashmir.
The rehearsals at district headquarters culminated in a preview of the Independence Day celebrations scheduled for August 15, showcasing the Valley’s festive spirit. The events included heartfelt tributes to national leaders, freedom fighters, and martyrs, emphasizing their sacrifices as the foundation of India’s independence. In Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri hoisted the National Flag at Bakshi Stadium, inspected parade contingents, and addressed participants. He paid floral tributes to martyrs at Balidan Stambh, accompanied by key officials from civil administration and security agencies. During his address, Bidhuri highlighted the government’s developmental and socio-economic achievements, condemning recent terrorist acts in Pahalgam and affirming the public’s united stance against such violence. He noted that operations Sindoor and Mahadev were effective responses to terrorism, and praised the successful execution of the Hajj pilgrimage and the peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra. The parade featured various contingents, including BSF, CRPF, ITBP, and students from local schools, showcasing a vibrant display of cultural programs that reflected the enthusiasm for Independence Day celebrations. Senior officials from multiple security and civil departments were present, underscoring the collaborative effort in organizing the event.
At Anantnag, A full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Independence Day 2025 celebrations was held Tuesday at the Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial, Government Degree College (Boys), Anantnag. Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Anantnag, Sandeep Singh Bali, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past which was presented by the contingents from the CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC, and various schools. Addressing the gathering, ADDC highlighted the district’s significant achievements in key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development under schemes like MGNREGA and Jal Shakti, women and youth empowerment, macadamization and road connectivity, and self-employment initiatives. On the occasion, colorful and vibrant cultural items on patriotic themes and rich local heritage and traditions were presented by students from different educational institutions. The rehearsal was attended by ACR, SP, Executive Engineer R&B, CEO, DIO and other district officers, Tehsildar Anantnag, and officers from police and engineering wings, officials from other departments alongside a large gathering of the general public.
At Ganderbal, A full dress rehearsal for the 79th Independence Day celebration took place at Qamaria Stadium in Ganderbal, demonstrating the district’s preparedness for the national event. The Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Ganderbal, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, hoisted the Tricolor and oversaw the ceremonial march-past, expressing satisfaction with the arrangements made by various departments to ensure a smooth celebration. The march-past featured contingents from the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), CRPF, SSB, and local schools, showcasing a strong display of discipline and patriotism. In his address, the ADDC emphasized the importance of Independence Day and highlighted Ganderbal’s successful management of significant events in 2025, such as the Amarnath Yatra and Kheer Bhawani Mela, which reflected the district’s commitment to providing world-class facilities and security for pilgrims. The ADDC also outlined the district’s developmental initiatives, focusing on improvements in rural infrastructure, water and power supply, digital learning, and healthcare services. He advocated for eco-friendly tourism development in areas like Sonamarg, Naranag, and Manasbal. The rehearsal included a cultural program featuring patriotic songs and traditional dances performed by schoolchildren, attended by senior officials from both civil and police administrations.
At Kulgam, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Kulgam, Altaf Ahmad Khan, hoisted the Tricolour, took the salute at the march-past, and inspected the parade during the full dress rehearsal function held at District Police Lines, Kulgam. The march-past was presented by contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP, Home Guard, the women contingent, NCC, and students from various schools. In his address, ADDC highlighted the historical significance of the day and the achievements and progress made under various schemes and programmes by different departments in the district. He also spoke about measures taken to curb the drug menace. On the occasion, a vibrant cultural show was presented by students on patriotic songs besides folk dances. The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Vikar Ahmad Giri; ACR, ACD, A-SP, CEO, DySPs, Executive Engineer, besides other district and sectoral officers, and members of the public.
At Shopian, Full Dress Rehearsal for the upcoming 79th Independence Day celebrations was Tuesday held at District Police Lines (DPL), Shopian with patriotic enthusiasm and vibrant participation of the public. Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Shopian, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone hoisted the Tricolour, took salute at the march past and inspected the parade. Impressive march past was presented by contingents of J&K Police, CRPF, JK Ladies Police, Home Guard, FPF and school children. In his address, ADDC highlighted the district’s progress, outlining major developmental activities completed and underway including construction and upgradation of roads to improve connectivity in rural areas, implementation of employment generation and welfare schemes, agricultural and allied sector initiatives under HADP and promoting socio-economic upliftment. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensure inclusive growth and good governance to improve the quality of life for all residents. The event concluded with patriotic and cultural performances by school children depicting India’s freedom struggle and rich cultural heritage, drawing applause from the audience. Officers of district administration, school children and a large number of people attended the programme.
At Baramulla, The Full Dress Rehearsal for Independence Day 2025 took place at Showkat Ali Stadium in Baramulla, showcasing a strong sense of patriotism. The event was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, who hoisted the National Flag and oversaw a march past featuring contingents from Jammu & Kashmir Police, CRPF, BSF, NCC cadets, and local students. In his address, the ADC emphasized that the rehearsal serves as a precursor to the main celebrations on August 15, while also honoring the sacrifices made by martyrs in the fight for freedom. He encouraged citizens to actively participate in the celebrations, including hoisting the national flag at their homes, and to instill the values of freedom in future generations. The event was attended by various officials, including the Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Gurinderpal Singh, and the District Youth Services and Sports Officer, along with a large audience comprising citizens, students, and dignitaries. Cultural performances by school students, featuring patriotic songs and traditional dances, were highlights of the event, receiving enthusiastic responses from the audience. Additionally, the Police Band Baramulla contributed to the festive atmosphere with lively musical performances, further enhancing the patriotic spirit of the occasion.
At Budgam, the full dress rehearsal function in connection with Independence Day 2025 was held Tuesday at sports stadium Budgam. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Budgam, Mehraj-ud-din Shah, hoisted the National flag, took salute at the march past besides inspecting the parade of contingents. The contingents that participated in the march past parade included Police, JKAP, CRPF, NCC and students besides contingents from various schools of district Budgam. Besides, artists and other troupes, students performed colorful cultural programmes amid the patriotic songs and local popular songs which enthralled the audience and invoked huge applause. Among others present were ASP Budgam, Syed Sajjad Bukhari; GM DIC, PO ICDS, CEO, ACD, CHO, CAO, Heads of all line departments, senior police officers, students, media persons besides officers of CRPF and other security agencies.
At Pulwama, A full dress rehearsal for the Independence Day 2025 celebrations took place at the District Police Lines (DPL) in Pulwama. The event was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. S.M. Ashraf, who hoisted the National Flag and oversaw the march past, which included participation from senior district administration officials and security forces. The parade showcased impressive contingents from various security agencies and local schools, demonstrating exceptional marching skills and discipline, embodying the spirit of patriotism and unity. Following the parade, local artists and school students presented vibrant cultural programs that celebrated the region’s rich cultural heritage, adding a festive atmosphere to the event. Additionally, a similar full dress rehearsal was conducted at DPL Awantipora, featuring security forces and students, along with cultural performances. These rehearsals were essential to ensure that all arrangements are in place for the smooth execution of the Independence Day celebrations scheduled for August 15, 2025.
At Kupwara, The full dress rehearsal for the 79th Independence Day celebration took place at the District Police Lines (DPL) in Zangli Kupwara, with Additional Deputy Commissioner Gulzar Ahmad taking the salute during the march past. The parade featured contingents from various security forces, including the JK Police, JKAP, CRPF, BSF, and the Forest Protection Force, along with school students. Musical performances by pipe and brass bands from the BSF, JKP, JKAP, and the Army accompanied the march. Cultural programs presented by school children highlighted themes of national integration, unity in diversity, and the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir. These performances included patriotic songs, folk music, and dance, showcasing government initiatives and local heritage. The event was attended by several district officials, including ASP Kupwara Javaid Ahmad and ACR Kupwara Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmad. In addition to the main event in Zangli, full dress rehearsals were also conducted at District Police Lines Handwara, Mini Secretariat Tangdar, and GDC Sogam, where local Tehsildars hoisted the tri-color and oversaw the march past. Officers from both civil and police administrations were present, and students from various educational institutions contributed colorful cultural programs. The Information Department of Kupwara also organized folk and cultural performances, enriching the overall celebration.
At Bandipora, Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, full dress rehearsals were held Tuesday across Bandipora district. The main event was held at S. K Stadium Bandipora where Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawal accompanied by ASP Bandipora, Ruhail Mircha hoisted the National flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents comprising JKP, NCC cadets and contingents from various schools. Senior officers of civil administration, J&K Police, and paramilitary forces were also present at the full dress rehearsal. In his speech, ADC threw light on the celebrations of Independence Day and highlighted the developmental activities carried out in the district.
The cultural programs by various schools were also presented to enthrall the audience. Cultural programs presented on the occasion depicted the country’s rich cultural heritage and economic, women empowerment and social progress. Similar full dress rehearsal functions were also held at subdivision Sumbal and Gurez, where respective Tehsildars hoisted the National Flag. The full dress rehearsal functions were also held across the district at Block Level, panchayat level, and in all schools and colleges.
