Flag unfurling ceremonies, inspection of Parade, cultural events mark the day
Srinagar : The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across Kashmir valley with a series of functions held at district level to commemorate the day.
Unfurling of the National Flag was held amid impressive Parades and mega cultural events at all venues of functions organised at district, sub-division, tehsil and block levels across Kashmir.
At Budgam: The 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026 were marked by enthusiasm across District Budgam, with the main event held at the Sports Stadium. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat unfurled the National Flag and reviewed a march-past, paying tribute to freedom fighters for their sacrifices. He highlighted the district’s development, noting the active participation of residents in government initiatives and the efforts of the District Administration in completing infrastructure projects. Dr. Bhat announced the establishment of a State of the Art District Hospital and the completion of several Primary Health Centres, emphasizing improvements in healthcare facilities. He praised the development of a ring-road enhancing connectivity and the successful implementation of various public welfare schemes in sectors such as Education and Jal Shakti. The event featured a march-past by contingents from JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guard, and school children, alongside cultural performances that included traditional dances and patriotic songs. A prize distribution ceremony recognized the contributions of various officials for their exemplary work. The celebrations extended to sub-divisions, blocks, and tehsil levels throughout Budgam, with the Deputy Commissioner also unfurling the National Flag at the DC Office and residence, extending Republic Day greetings to all.
At Bandipora: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and mass participation in Bandipora district, with the main event held at S.K. Stadium. Abdul Gani Bhat, Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC), unfurled the National Tricolour and inspected a ceremonial parade featuring various contingents, including the CRPF, J&K Police, and local school students. The event was enhanced by a performance from the J&K Police Band. Key dignitaries in attendance included MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, Principal District & Sessions Judge Jeema Bashir, and Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib, among others. In his address, Bhat emphasized the historical significance of Republic Day and highlighted the district’s developmental progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth and transparent governance. Cultural performances by students showcased the region’s rich heritage, adding vibrancy to the celebrations. Earlier in the day, the Deputy Commissioner also unfurled the National Flag at the Mini Secretariat and at her residence. Celebrations were held across the district at various levels, including sub-divisional and block levels, with ceremonies organized in locations such as Sumbal and Gurez, reflecting the patriotic spirit of the community.
At Kulgam: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in Kulgam, with the main event held at the District Police Lines. The National Flag was unfurled by Mohammad Afzal Parrey, the Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC), who also oversaw a March Past featuring various contingents, including the CRPF, J&K Police, and local students. The event was attended by key officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and senior police officers, alongside a large crowd of citizens. In his address, the DDC Chairperson emphasized the importance of Republic Day, commemorating the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. He highlighted significant developmental achievements in Kulgam, particularly in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and empowerment of women and youth. Notable initiatives included the completion of 1,633 projects under the District Capex scheme, construction of 5,540 houses under PMAY-G, and the provision of tap water connections to over 55,000 households through the Jal Jeevan Mission. The DDC Chairperson also mentioned social welfare programs, noting that 4,791 girls benefited from the State Marriage Assistance Scheme and that Rs 23.95 crore was allocated for Old Age Assistance. Additionally, Rs 25 crore was provided for youth self-employment schemes. The district received the PM Award for outstanding performance in various development indicators. Cultural programs featuring songs and skits by students and local artists added vibrancy to the celebrations, and awards were presented to individuals for excellence in various fields. The mass singing of the national song “Vande Mataram” was a highlight of the event. Flag unfurling ceremonies took place at multiple locations throughout the district, including the Mini Secretariat, where the Deputy Commissioner paid tribute to the Constitution’s architects and martyrs. Similar celebrations were held at various institutions, including schools and panchayats, showcasing the spirit of patriotism and community engagement.
At Baramulla: On the 77th Republic Day, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the DC Office Complex, accompanied by key district officials including the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Planning Officer, and District Information Officer. During the ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner extended warm greetings to the people of Baramulla and paid tribute to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices were instrumental in India’s independence. Minga Sherpa emphasized that Republic Day is a significant occasion that embodies the democratic ideals and constitutional values of the nation. He highlighted the importance of unity, peace, and inclusive development, urging citizens to uphold democratic principles and collaborate for the district’s progress. The Deputy Commissioner called for collective efforts to contribute to a strong and prosperous India.
At Kupwara: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in Kupwara, featuring a main event at the District Police Lines where the Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC), Irfan Sultan Panditpori, unfurled the National Flag and inspected a parade that included various security forces and school children. The event showcased tableaus from different departments highlighting achievements and welfare schemes. Key officials, including the Deputy Commissioner and senior police and army officers, attended the celebration, emphasizing the importance of national integration and communal harmony. The Chairperson addressed the gathering, stressing the government’s commitment to the development of all societal sections, particularly in rural areas. He acknowledged the district’s socio-economic progress under the leadership of the District Development Commissioner, Shrikant Suse, and noted improvements in healthcare services due to the establishment of a Government Medical College and upgraded health facilities. Significant infrastructure projects, including a National Highway and a new railway line, are underway, with a budget of Rs. 109.07 crore approved for various developmental works. In education, the district has seen enhancements in school infrastructure, including the establishment of smart classrooms and sports facilities. The Chairperson also highlighted advancements in road macadamization, tourism, and agriculture. Cultural programs were performed by local artists and school children, and awards were presented for excellence in various categories during the celebrations. Republic Day functions were also held in other subdivisions of Kupwara, including Handwara, Lolab, and Karnah, where local officials unfurled the National Flag and conducted parades. Celebrations extended to all government offices, educational institutions, and panchayats across the district, reinforcing the spirit of the occasion.
At Pulwama: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at the District Police Lines in Pulwama, showcasing a strong sense of community and patriotism. The event was led by District Development Council Chairperson Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, who unfurled the National Flag and presided over the march-past, emphasizing the district’s commitment to constitutional values. Key attendees included the Deputy Commissioner of Pulwama, SSP, senior military and police officials, as well as local representatives and community members, including families of martyrs and students. The march-past featured various contingents from local police, paramilitary forces, and educational institutions, highlighting the region’s unity and diversity. Cultural performances enriched the celebrations, showcasing traditional music and dance, and were centered around the national song “Vande Mataram.” The DDC Chairperson addressed the crowd, outlining significant developmental initiatives in the district, including Block Ichegoza’s impressive national ranking and the National ODOP Award for its contributions to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The event concluded with a ceremony honoring parade participants, cultural performers, and notable community members for their contributions to public service. Families of martyrs and victims of terrorism were also recognized, underscoring their sacrifices for national security. Similar celebrations took place in Awantipora and Tral, with flag hoisting ceremonies across various local government and educational institutions, reinforcing the spirit of the occasion throughout the district.
At Ganderbal: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in District Ganderbal, with the main event taking place at Qamaria Stadium. The Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC), Nuzhat Ishfaq, unfurled the National Flag and led the salute. The celebration featured a March Past by various security forces, police, and school students, emphasizing the themes of ‘Vande Mataram’—marking 150 years of the National Song—and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, which highlights national pride and self-reliance. In her address, the DDC Chairperson extended Republic Day greetings and honored the sacrifices of freedom fighters, underscoring the historical significance of January 26, the day the Constitution of India was adopted in 1950. She reported on significant developmental achievements in the district and the successful implementation of welfare schemes during the current financial year. The Chairperson noted that Jammu and Kashmir, including Ganderbal, is entering a new era of growth focused on comprehensive development, with priorities such as public safety, service delivery, women empowerment, public health, and livelihood creation. The event showcased various departmental achievements, including those from Revenue, Agriculture, and Urban Local Bodies. Students performed cultural programs themed on ‘Vande Mataram’, and tableaux were presented by the Agriculture department and KPDCL to raise awareness about government schemes. The celebration concluded with the distribution of prizes to cultural event winners, student achievers, and other contributors, including artisans and progressive farmers. The Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, attended as the Guest of Honour, and similar ceremonies were held across various levels in the district.
At Shopian: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at the District Police Lines (DPL) in Shopian, where DDC Chairperson Bilqees Jan unfurled the National Flag and oversaw a parade featuring various security forces and student contingents. The event was attended by notable figures including the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Deputy Commissioner, and other officials, alongside members of the public. In her address, the DDC Chairperson honored the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs, emphasizing the importance of Republic Day and the democratic values of unity and equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution. She encouraged citizens to engage in nation-building and developmental efforts. The celebrations included cultural programs showcasing the talents of school children and a felicitation ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations for their contributions to social welfare, healthcare, education, innovation, and sports. Additional Republic Day events were held at the Mini-Secretariat and other district offices, with the Deputy Commissioner and SDM Zainapora also participating in flag unfurling ceremonies.
