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Braving morning chill, hundreds attend Republic Day function at Bakshi Stadium

The venue was filled with a vibrant atmosphere as locals, government employees, and schoolchildren joined the festivities, showing their enthusiasm and patriotism
11:17 PM Jan 26, 2025 IST | SHABIR IBN YUSUF
braving morning chill  hundreds attend  republic day function at bakshi stadium
Braving morning chill, hundreds attend Republic Day function at Bakshi Stadium
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Srinagar, Jan 26: Hundreds of people gathered at Bakshi Stadium in the summer capital on Sunday to celebrate Republic Day, braving the early morning chill.

The venue was filled with a vibrant atmosphere as locals, government employees, and schoolchildren joined the festivities, showing their enthusiasm and patriotism.

The event, which was presided over by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, featured a grand parade with contingents from the police, CRPF, NCC, and local schools, followed by cultural performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. However, it was the spirit of the people that stood out, as many spoke of their pride in participating in the national celebration.

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“We are here to show our love for the country and celebrate the unity that India represents,” said Shahnaz Begum, a school teacher who attended the event with her family. “It’s not just about the flag or the parade; it’s about feeling connected to the rest of the nation, especially on such an important day.”

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Despite the cold weather, the stadium was packed, with attendees lining the stands to catch a glimpse of the parade. “It’s a little cold, but this day is too important to miss,” said Aftab Ahmad, a young student who had joined the parade with his school. “I’m proud to be part of this celebration. It makes me feel like I’m contributing to the unity of our country.”

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Government employees, many of whom had gathered in the front rows said: “We’ve come here today to be a part of this special occasion,” said Muneeb Iqbal, a local government worker. “It’s not just about work; it’s about showing our patriotism and support for the nation. It’s an honor to stand here today.”

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The atmosphere at Bakshi Stadium was charged with fervor as locals cheered the parade and watched performances that included traditional dance forms and musical acts. Despite the heightened security presence in the city, the mood was relaxed, with people mingling and expressing their pride in the nation’s achievements.

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“The security is always important, but today, we feel safe, and there’s a sense of freedom in the air,” said Sameer Khan. “We’ve been through difficult times, but events like this give us hope for a better future, one where we all come together as a nation.”

Local officials said they were pleased with the turnout and the sense of unity displayed during the event. “Today’s celebration is a reflection of the people’s resilience and their unwavering commitment to the idea of India,” said one of the official. “It’s heartening to see so many people come together despite the challenges, showing that Republic Day belongs to all of us.”

For many in the crowd, this year’s Republic Day celebration was a moment of both pride and reflection.