The Republic Day is celebrated across India on January 26, every year, to commemorate the day when the Constitution of India came into effect on this day in 1950. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the national capital, with the parade on Rajpath being the main attraction. Different states of India have their own celebrations that are mostly organized on big open spaces or in auditoriums, and attended by distinguished people from various fields. The function held on the occasion includes flag hoisting, which is commonly followed by cultural events and award ceremonies.
As the decision to revoke Article 370 was implemented in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir celebrated its first Republic Day in 2020. On January 26 that year, the 71st Republic Day was celebrated traditionally in Jammu and Kashmir. The function was held at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu where Lieutenant Governor G.C. Murmu hoisted the national flag and took a salute at the march past. Colonel Rajesh Kumar Shara of the 5th battalion of J&K Light Infantry led the march past. Cultural and spots events were also organized. In the beginning of the function an IAF chopper showered flower petals. There was tight security around the venue and free movement in the city was restricted. Three helicopters monitored the entire event. Earlier that day, the Lt. Governor visited the Balidan Stambh to honour the sacrifice of the security personnel.
India’s 72nd Republic Day, which was on January 26, 2021, was celebrated in Kashmir on the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium. The main venue as well as other districts in the Kashmir Valley were under tight security. A parade was organized followed by a cultural programme. Baseer Khan, advisor of the lieutenant governor presided over the function. He hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the march past. Contingents of police and other security forces in J&K participated in the parade, women contingent of Indian Reserve Police took part in a march. To ensure security at the venue, barricades were placed on the way to the stadium and drones were used to monitor activities. Cultural events were also organized for the occasion.
This year too, the Republic Day celebrations will take place in Jammu and Kashmir with great patriotic fervour and amid tight security. On the background of Covid-19, there may be additional restrictions on gatherings and crowds and the main event may be attended by a lesser number of people.
The main event of January 26, 2022, is scheduled to be organized at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. The Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu has issued a public advisory for attending the Republic Day function this year. The Security Department has issued a public notice which states that the event may be attended by several people and hence to enable their smooth entry to the venue and to ensure security, everyone should cooperate with the security forces. The public has been requested to avoid carrying cell phone cameras, arms, weapons, hand bags, transistors, toys, tools, stop watch, any type of powder, any inflammable material or other objectionable articles.
The Security Department has stated that the people should cooperate with checking activities by the staff, as strict security checks will be implemented at different gates of the venue. In the notice, it has been said that the attendees should arrive well in time, maintain queue while entering through the metal detectors at the gates and be seated before the function starts.
People have be urged to not hesitate to disclose their identity if a security officer asks for the same. The notice informs that a proper parking system will be in place and that people should take help from traffic police to park their vehicles at the designated places. The attendees have be requested to stay alert and report the security staff about any suspicious action or object, if observed.
Security Jammu has further assured the public that they would take all the necessary care to ensure the safety of everyone attending the Republic Day function and that those attending should also extend full cooperation towards the security staff so that the 26th January 2022 event in J&K will culminate smoothly.
Like last year, locals will celebrate Republic Day in their own way by hoisting flags or chanting slogans about India. There will be a patriotic vibe everywhere and cultural events organized at various places will add cheer to the 26th January celebrations. Due to Covid restrictions, people may not crowd on the streets and as responsible citizens, they will take the necessary precautions related to Covid-19. However, nothing will dampen the enthusiasm of Kashmiris in celebrating the Indian Republic Day (January 26) 2022. The patriotic spirit and a beautiful display of Kashmiri culture will enliven the atmosphere. If you are going to be in Kashmir around that time, consider experiencing the patriotic fervour that shall be manifested at its best on January 26, 2022, the 73rd Republic Day of India.
