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- 2026 functions were held with much fanfare and enthusiasm across the District Budgam today. The main function was held at Sports Stadium Budgam, where Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march-past. Speaking on the occasion, the DC paid glowing tributes to all freedom fighters for their selfless sacrifices for freedom of the country from Britishers.
The DC also deliberated upon the ongoing development scenario of the district and said that the district Budgam is touching new heights with active participation of people in government initiatives.
The DC also focused on the active and positive role of officers of District Administration Budgam for tireless efforts in ensuring speedy completion of infrastructure projects across the district. He said not only a long pending demand of establishment of State of the Art District Hospital Budgam has become a reality but also long pending under construction PHCs at Pahroo, Gundipora, Mazhama, Kanira, Choon and other health centres were also completed in short span of time and dedicated to general public. He lauded the work infrastructure of the ring-road connecting many districts of the valley. He also appreciated the District Administration for its tremendous work under R&B sector for black topping a network of road connectivity across all far flung areas of the district. He also highlighted ongoing developmental works under Education, Jal Shakti, KPDCL and successful implementation of public welfare schemes in Budgam.
The march- past was presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guard and School Children. On the occasion, various artists and school children presented various colourful cultural programs including Rouf, patriotic songs, folk songs, Bangda, Band-Pather enthralling the audience, present there.
The prize distribution ceremony was also held wherein various officers and officials from different departments were awarded for their meritorious work.
Among others, SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar, DDC members and other senior officers from Civil, Police and Paramilitary departments participated in the program.
The Republic Day functions were also held at Sub Divisions, Block and Tehsil level across the district Budgam.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner also unfurled the National Flag at DC Office Complex and DC residence and extended his Republic Day greetings to all.
AT BANDIPORA: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and mass public participation across Bandipora district today. The main function was held at S.K. Stadium, Bandipora.
On the occasion, Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC), Bandipora, Abdul Gani Bhat, unfurled the National Tricolour, inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute from the marching contingents. The parade comprised contingents from CRPF 3rd Battalion, J&K Police Executive Wing, IRP 21st Battalion, J&K Police Women Battalion, J&K Forest Division Bandipora, Special Police Officers (SPOs), J&K Home Guards, NCC cadets and school students. The event was further enlivened by a spirited performance by the J&K Police Band.
The flag unfurling ceremony was attended by MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat; Principal District & Sessions Judge, Bandipora, Jeema Bashir; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib; SSP Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar; Vice Chairperson DDC, Kousar Shafeeq; DDC Members; Additional Deputy Commissioner; senior officers of the judiciary, district administration and police, senior citizens and a large gathering of the general public.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson DDC highlighted the historic and democratic significance of Republic Day and reflected on the steady developmental progress achieved in the district over the years. He outlined key initiatives undertaken in sectors such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare and social welfare, and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment towards inclusive growth, transparent governance and improved public service delivery.
The programme also featured colourful cultural performances presented by students from various educational institutions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region through traditional music and folk dances, adding vibrancy and festive spirit to the celebrations.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, unfurled the National Flag at the Mini Secretariat, Bandipora, and at the Deputy Commissioner’s residence.
Meanwhile, Republic Day celebrations were held across the district at sub-divisional, tehsil and block levels.
In Sub-Division Sumbal, the National Flag was unfurled at Irrigation Colony, while similar ceremonies were organised in Gurez and at all district offices, degree colleges and educational institutions, marking the occasion with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm.
AT KULGAM: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour across Kulgam, with the main function held at the District Police Lines (DPL), Kulgam.
The National Flag was unfurled by the Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey, who also took the salute at an impressive March Past.
Contingents from the CRPF, J&K Police, IRP, JKP Women Contingent, Police Band, Home Guards, NCC cadets, and students participated in the parade.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, SSP Kulgam Anayat Ali Choudhary, DDC members, senior officers from the civil and police administration, and a large gathering of enthusiastic citizens.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the significance of Republic Day, marking the adoption of the Constitution of India and the nation’s transition to a Republic in 1950.
He enumerated the major developmental strides made in the district across key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture and allied sectors, infrastructure development, and women and youth empowerment.
He elaborated on various development initiatives undertaken for the progress and prosperity of the people and stated that Kulgam has registered significant achievements across multiple priority areas and schemes such as District Capex, MGNREGA, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), HADP, PMAY-G, sports, and other sectors.
He added that Under District Capex, 1,633 works are being completed at a cost of Rs 50.29 crore and under PMAY-G, 5540 houses have been constructed.
Under the centrally sponsored Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), work is in its final stage, with 109 projects completed and 55,624 households provided with tap water connections, added the DDC Chairperson.
He further informed that for outstanding performance across various development indicators, District Kulgam has been conferred the PM Award.
Highlighting social welfare initiatives, he stated 4791 girls have benefited under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme and Rs, 23.95 crore has been provided as Old Age Assistance.
Under employment generation scheme Rs, 25 crore has been extended to youth under self-employment schemes, he stated.
He also highlighted achievements and other flagship schemes and programmes.
On the occasion, colourful cultural programmes presented by students and local artists, including songs and skits, added vibrancy to the celebrations and enthralled the audience.
Awards were presented to officers, officials, students, and other prominent individuals in recognition of their excellence in various fields.
Mass singing of Vande Mataram National Song was also held.
Flag unfurling ceremonies were held at multiple locations across the district, including the Mini Secretariat, where the National Flag was unfurled by the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Aamir Khan.
He paid rich tributes to the architects of the Constitution and the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation, and highlighted significant developmental strides across various sectors aimed at the holistic development of the district.
Similar celebrations were organized at Sub-Division D.H. Pora, where SDM Bashir Ul Hassan unfurled the National Flag, as well as at tehsil and block headquarters, schools, colleges, panchayats, police stations, and other institutions.
AT BARAMULLA: On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa unfurled the tri-color and took the salute at DC Office Complex.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Arshad Ahmad Khan; Chief Planning Officer Baramulla, Nissar Ahmad; District Information Officer Baramulla, Iftakhar Naseem and other district officers and officials were present on the occasion.
The DC conveyed his warm greetings to the people of Baramulla on the occasion and paid rich tributes to the innumerable freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifices and relentless struggle laid the foundation of India’s independence.
Minga Sherpa noted that Republic Day is a moment of immense pride for every Indian, as it upholds the democratic ideals and constitutional values that guide the nation.
He further underscored the importance of unity, peace and inclusive development, urging citizens to uphold democratic values, work collectively for the progress of the district, and contribute to building a strong and prosperous India.
AT KUPWARA: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated today across the frontier district Kupwara with great enthusiasm and fervour.
The main function of Republic Day celebration was held at District Police Lines Kupwara where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at march-past presented by contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, Home Guards, FPF, Special Commandos, Police Band, and school children. Besides, in a scintillating spectacle, Tableaus (Jankis) were also presented by different departments during the parade which showcased achievements and welfare Schemes.
Vice Chairperson DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse; SSP Kupwara, Syed Al-Tahir Gilani; ADDC Kupwara, Mufti Fareed ud Din; ADC Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad Khan; DDC Members, Police Officers, Army Officers, District officers, officials of all departments, people from different areas, besides students from different educational institutions were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson DDC, extended his warm greetings to the people of Kupwara district and highlighted the importance of the Republic Day. He appealed to people to work together for promoting national integration, communal harmony and peace in the district. The Chairperson said that development of all sections of the society especially rural and far flung areas remains the top most priority of the Government and District Administration. He highlighted various measures taken by the District Administration Kupwara for the overall development of the district.
The Chairperson, while appreciating District Administration said that district has recorded appreciable achievements on the socio economic and developmental fronts under the leadership of District Development Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse. He congratulated Deputy Commissioner Kupwara and his team of officers for putting best efforts in public service delivery and transparency. He said Kupwara district has seen better healthcare services after the establishment of Government Medical College and upgradation of health facilities in rural areas. He said that work on major projects including construction of National Highway has already begun, besides, work has also started on construction of the Railway line.
The Chairperson said that Rs.109.07 crore were approved under District CAPEX Budget 2025-26 in which 3352 works were sanctioned out of which 1000 works stands completed. He said under the Power sector, new receiving stations have been established and existing stations have been upgraded, besides, sufficient buffer stock of transformers have been made available which has improved the overall scenario of power development in the district.
Regarding water supply, he said major schemes have been constructed under the ambitious Jal Jeevan Mission to reach the drinking water supply to every household.
Regarding Education, the Chairman said school infrastructure has seen a drastic change in recent years in the district. With the establishment of 398 smart classrooms, sports grounds and other facilities, efforts have been made to provide better infrastructure and quality education to the students.
He highlighted various other developments including macadamization of roads, tourism, agriculture and allied activities.
Earlier, the Chairperson, DC Kupwara, and SSP Kupwara laid floral wreaths on the Martyrs Memorial.
A variety of cultural programmes were presented by the school children and local artists during the function. Information department Kupwara also organized the folk cultural programme.
Later, an award ceremony was held during which awards were given to the best performers in the March Past, Tableaus and cultural programmes. Awards were also given to various Officers and officials of the administration for their good work.
Republic Day celebration functions were also held at D.C Office Complex Kupwara where Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Suse unfurled the National Flag and took Salute at March Past. Senior Officers and employees of District Administration were also present on the occasion.
The Republic day functions were also held in Handwara, Lolab and Karnahsub-divisions,In Handwara, ADC Handwara, Javed Naseem Masoodi, unfurled the National Flag at District Police Lines Handwara, inspected the parade and took salute at March past. Cultural programmes were also presented by the school children and awards were given to the achievers.
Similarly, SDM Lolab, Mudassir Ahmad unfurled the National flag at GDC Sogam and took salute on March Past. Cultural variety programmes were also presented by the students.In Karnah sub division, Tehsildar Karnah, Mohammad Amin Bhat unfurled the National flag at Mini Secretariat Tangdar and took salute on March Past.
Republic Day Celebrations were also held in all Government Offices where Officers unfurled the National Flag and took the salute. Moreover, Republic Day celebrations were also held in all educational institutions and Panchayats across district Kupwara.
AT PULWAMA: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervour and community spirit at the District Police Lines (DPL), Pulwama, where people from all walks of life gathered to commemorate the historic occasion with enthusiasm and pride. District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi, graced the event as the Chief Guest. He unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the march-past, symbolising the district’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Constitution and the nation.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom; SSP Pulwama, Tanushree, and senior officers from the Police, Army, Air Force, Paramilitary Forces and Civil Administration. Senior citizens, families of martyrs, social activists, students, youth, members of civil society organisations and a large number of the general public also participated in the celebrations.
While, among the elected representatives, MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir; Vice Chairperson DDC, and other DDC members were present on the occasion.
The march-past featured contingents from JKP, JKAP, Ladies Platoon, CRPF 182nd and 183rd Battalions, IRP 10th Battalion, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC Cadets, and students from various educational institutions.
The celebrations were further enriched by a vibrant array of cultural performances, including folk songs, Rouf, traditional dances, soulful music and santoor recitals. The performances beautifully reflected the region’s rich cultural heritage and were interwoven with the theme of the national song “Vande Mataram”, celebrating unity in diversity.
Addressing the gathering, the DDC Chairperson, highlighted the key developmental initiatives and welfare measures undertaken in the district. Highlighting the district’s key milestones, he informed that Block Ichegoza of Pulwama secured an impressive 2nd rank at the national level among 500 Aspirational Blocks in the Q4 (January–March 2024–25) Delta Rankings under the Aspirational Blocks Programme of NITI Aayog. He further stated that Pulwama district has been conferred with the National ODOP Award 2024 (Silver) for its outstanding efforts in realising the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. “Pulwama district is on the path of continuous and sustainable development to preserve its magnificent cultural heritage and cultural sites”, said the Chairperson while highlighting the steps taken for the protection and restoration of the district’s cultural sites.
The event culminated with a felicitation ceremony, wherein parade contingents and cultural performers were appreciated for their contributions. Meritorious students, social activists, journalists, sports personalities and eminent personalities of the district were also acknowledged for their role in public service, while various officers and officials were felicitated for their outstanding dedication and service.
In a touching gesture of gratitude, families of martyrs from the Police and Paramilitary Forces, along with Next of Kin (NoKs) of victims of terrorism, were also felicitated, honouring their supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to the nation’s security. Their courage and resilience were hailed as a source of inspiration for the entire community.
On the similar lines, mega functions were also held at DPL Awantipora and Sub-Division Tral. Additionally, flag hoisting ceremonies were conducted across the district at Sub-Divisional Headquarters, Tehsil and Block Halqas, Panchayat Ghars, Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs), District Administration offices, educational institutions, police stations and other Police and CRPF establishments.
AT GANDERBAL: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic zeal across District Ganderbal today, with the main function held at Qamaria Stadium.
On the occasion, Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Ganderbal, Nuzhat Ishfaq, unfurled the National Flag and took the salute. An impressive March Past was presented by contingents of CRPF, SSB, J&K Police, JKAP 14 Battalion, PTS Manigam, Forest Protection Force, Home Guards, Police Band, and students from various schools of the district.
The theme of this year’s Republic Day celebrations revolved around ‘Vande Mataram’, marking 150 years of the National Song, and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, symbolising national pride and self-reliance.
In her address, DDC Chairperson extended warm Republic Day greetings to the people of Ganderbal and paid homage to the sacrifices of freedom fighters. She highlighted the historical significance of January 26, marking the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950.
She also outlined major developmental achievements recorded across sectors in the district and the effective implementation of welfare schemes during the current financial year. Emphasising that India stands as one of the world’s most successful democracies, she said Jammu and Kashmir, including Ganderbal district, has entered a new era of growth with renewed focus on all-round development.
The Chairperson highlighted key priorities of the administration, including public safety, enhanced service delivery, women empowerment, improved public health, and creation of new livelihood avenues.
She appreciated the role of DDC members for their grassroots engagement and commitment to public welfare, stating that they lived up to the expectations of the people.
Achievements of various departments such as Revenue, Agriculture, Jal Shakti, KPDCL, Fisheries, Youth Services & Sports, Labour & Employment, Urban Local Bodies and others were also highlighted.
Students from different schools presented vibrant patriotic cultural programmes themed on ‘Vande Mataram’, commemorating 150 years of the National Song.
During the event, Jhankis (tableaux) were presented by Agriculture department showcasing different schemes and assistance provided to the farming community and by KPDCL raising awareness on PM-SUYA Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana as well as by J&K Bank regarding Mission YUVA scheme.
The function concluded with the distribution of prizes to winners of cultural events, student achievers, sports performers, media persons and March Past contingents besides felicitation of artisans, entrepreneurs and progressive farmers of the district. Several officers and officials were also felicitated for outstanding contributions in their service to the people of Ganderbal.
The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, as Guest of Honour; SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Ahmad Poswal; ADDC Manzoor Ahmad, DDC members, and senior officers of the district administration and police.
Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner unfurled the National Flag at Mini Secretariat and Town Hall, Ganderbal. Similar ceremonies were held at sub-division, block, tehsil, panchayat levels, government offices and educational institutions across the district.
AT SHOPIAN: 77th Republic Day was today celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic zeal at the District Police Lines (DPL) Shopian, where DDC, Chairperson, Shopian, Bilqees Jan unfurled the National Flag, took salute on march past and inspected the parade comprising of J&K Police, CRPF, Home Guards, Forest Protection Force, J&K Police Women’s wing and student continents of various educational institutions.
Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mehmood Ahmad Chowdhary; Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta, SSP, Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary, DDC members of the district, officers of Military and Paramilitary forces, district administration and officials along with public from various spheres of life attended the function.
In her address, the DDC Chairperson paid glowing tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made supreme sacrifices, laid down their lives for the sovereignty and unity of the nation. Emphasising the significance of Republic Day, the Chairperson highlighted the values of democracy, unity and equality enshrined in the Constitution of India and called upon the citizens to actively participate in nation-building and developmental initiatives.
The celebrations also featured vibrant cultural programmes showcasing talent of school going children, followed by a felicitation ceremony to honour meritorious individuals for their outstanding contributions. Special awards were given to organisations working for social welfare , healthcare,activism, meritorious students, innovators, young scientists and sports persons,media persons, and officials for their services.
Republic day celebrations were also held at Mini-Secretariat Shopian where Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian, Shishir Gupta unfurled the National Flag in the presence of officers and staff.
SDM, Zainapora, Bilal Ahmed unfurled the National Flag at Zainapora.
Similar celebrations were also held in other offices of the district.