Republic Day: Full dress rehearsals held across Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 24: As part of the extensive preparations for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, Full Dress Rehearsal functions were held across the Kashmir Division on Saturday, featuring a vibrant preview of the grandeur and patriotic fervour that will mark the national festival on January 26.
The rehearsals featured an impressive March Past by several contingents and captivating cultural presentations by students and troupes that underscored the values of patriotism, discipline and national integration that Republic Day represents.
In Srinagar, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute during the full dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.
Several contingents participated in the march-past, including contingents from Police, CRPF, NCC Cadets, Students and other security agencies.
Following the parade, the Divisional Commissioner witnessed a series of cultural performances featuring patriotic and cultural songs presented by various artist groups, troupes, and students, aimed at instilling national fervour among the people.
Senior officers present on the occasion included IGP Kashmir, DIG Central Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, SSP Srinagar, and other senior officers from security and line departments.
Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner paid floral tributes to the martyrs at Balidan Stambh. He was accompanied by IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar Birdi, DIG Central Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and other officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Anshul Garg extended his warm greetings to the people on the eve of Republic Day and stated that all preparations have been completed to ensure an impressive celebration at Bakshi Stadium. He said that all parade contingents and participants have been rigorously preparing for the national event.
He further noted that despite weather-induced disruptions, concerned departments worked round the clock to ensure completion of all arrangements.
The Divisional Commissioner once again invited the people of Srinagar and the Valley to participate in the Republic Day and requested attendees to be seated at the venue by 8:30 am.
In Budgam, a full dress rehearsal function was held today in sports stadium Budgam.
In the full dress rehearsal, ADC Budgam, Mehraj-ud-din Shah unfurled the National flag, took salute from parade commander and contingents besides inspected the parade of contingents.
In Kulgam, a full-dress rehearsal was held today at the District Police Lines (DPL), Kulgam. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kulgam, Viqar Ahmad Giri, unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute at the March Past.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC highlighted the significance of Republic Day and stated that a slew of measures and initiatives have been undertaken for the holistic development of the district.
He enumerated various developmental projects executed in Kulgam and said that the district has registered significant achievements across multiple sectors. He added that under District Capex, 1,633 works have been completed at a cost of Rs 50.29 crore. He also added that under PMAY-G, 5,540 houses have been constructed.
In Anantnag, a full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day-2026 celebrations was held at the District Police Lines, Anantnag. The Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Sandeep Singh Bali, unfurled the National Flag and took 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, the ADDC paid rich tributes to the nation’s freedom fighters and leaders who made supreme sacrifices for independence of the country. He emphasized that it is due to their countless efforts that we are living in a sovereign country that is governed by a full fledged constitution.
In Kupwara, full dress rehearsal for Republic Day celebration 2026 was held at District Police Lines Kupwara where Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at march-past presented by contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards, FP and school children.
The ADC also highlighted various major developments which have been made during the current financial year in the district.A variety of cultural programmes were presented by the school children during the function.
Meanwhile, full dress rehearsal was also held at District Police Lines Handwara where Tehsildar Handwara, Naveed Ahmad Bhat unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at march past presented by contingents from JKP, JKAP ,BSF, CRPF, IRP and Police band.
Full dress rehearsal functions were also held in Lolab and Karnah Sub-Divisions where concerned Tehsildars unfurled the National Flag and took salute at March Past.
In Baramulla, a full dress rehearsal was conducted today at the District Police Lines (DPL), Baramulla.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, unfurled the National Tricolour and took the salute during the march-past, marking a key milestone in the run-up to the Republic Day function scheduled for January 26, 2026. The rehearsal was conducted in a well-coordinated manner, reflecting meticulous planning and coordination among all participating departments.
In Bandipora, full dress rehearsals were conducted across Bandipora district on Saturday, with the main rehearsal held at S.K. Stadium, Bandipora.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawal, unfurled the National Flag and inspected the parade, taking the salute from the marching contingents.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC highlighted the significance of Republic Day and outlined the developmental progress achieved in the district. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to public welfare, effective governance, and the successful implementation of various government schemes and programmes.
Meanwhile, full dress rehearsals were also conducted at subdivision, tehsil, and block levels across the district. In Sumbal, Tehsildar Sumbal Syed Shabar Sarwar unfurled the National Flag at Irrigation Colony, while in Gurez, Tehsildar Gurez unfurled the National Flag.
In Pulwama, a full-dress rehearsal for the Republic Day celebrations was successfully conducted today at the District Police Lines (DPL), Pulwama. The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Pulwama, Dr. S.M Ashraf, unfurled the tricolor and took the salute at the March-past.
During his speech, the ADC highlighted the district’s remarkable developmental milestones and achievements, emphasizing the collective efforts of the administration and the public in fostering growth and progress.
On similar lines, a full-dress rehearsal was also organised at the District Police Lines, Awantipora, to ensure smooth and coordinated conduct of Republic Day celebrations in the sub-division.
In Ganderbal, a full dress rehearsal for the forthcoming 77th Republic Day was held at Qamaria Stadium, Ganderbal, presenting the glimpses of the grand spectacle to unfold at the Republic Day function.
Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Ganderbal, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, unfurled the National Flag, took salute at the March Past and inspected Parade and Band contingents.
Reviewing the year 2025, ADDC said Ganderbal district demonstrated strong administrative capability by successfully hosting major events, including the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, Kheer Bhawani Mela, Urs of Syed Qamar-u-Din Bukhari, and other religious gatherings. He stated that the administration ensured seamless facilities, effective security arrangements, and a welcoming environment for millions of pilgrims, reflecting the district’s tradition of religious harmony and efficient governance.
Highlighting development initiatives, the ADDC said emphasis was laid on improving rural connectivity, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening water and power supply, expanding digital education, and enhancing healthcare services.
In Shopian, a full-dress rehearsal was today held at the District Police Lines (DPL) Shopian with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shopian, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz unfurled the National Flag, took salute and inspected the parade.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC said that Republic Day is celebrated in honour of those brave souls who worked with dedication and laid down their lives for the nation. He emphasized that the day reminds citizens of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the responsibility of upholding the values of the Constitution.