Republic Day celeberations: Full-dress rehearsals held across Kashmir
Srinagar, Jan 24: Kashmir is all set to celebrate Republic Day 2026, with authorities conducting a full-dress rehearsal at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar on Saturday amid stringent, multi-tier security arrangements across the Valley.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, who hoisted the national flag and took the salute during the march past. He also inspected the parade. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir V K Birdi who was present during full dress rehearsal said elaborate security measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful and smooth celebrations.
After reviewing security arrangements at the rehearsal venue, the police chief said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with central paramilitary forces, have strengthened the security grid across Kashmir.
“We have multi-tier security arrangements in place with the involvement of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and central paramilitary forces. Similar arrangements have been made across the Valley to ensure peaceful and smooth Republic Day celebrations,” Birdi said.
The IGP said that apart from the main Republic Day function in Srinagar, separate celebrations would be held at district headquarters across the Valley. He also appealed to people to participate in the national event. “Common people are warmly welcome to join the celebrations along with their families. School children should also participate. It is an open event and everyone is free to attend,” Birdi said.
The full-dress rehearsal at the Bakshi Stadium was presided over by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, who hoisted the national flag and took the salute during the march past. He also inspected the parade, officials said.
Contingents of the J&K Police and various security forces participated in the march past, while several senior civil administration and police officers were present during the rehearsal. Officials said the stadium and its surroundings were made fully ready for the main event, including clearing water from the venue following recent rainfall and snowfall.
As a precautionary measure, vehicular movement on roads leading to the Bakshi Stadium was restricted during the rehearsal, with traffic allowed to resume only after the event concluded.
Earlier in the day, the Divisional Commissioner and the IGP paid tributes to martyrs at the Balidan Stambh at Pratap Park near Lal Chowk in Srinagar, officials added. Authorities said all necessary arrangements, including security, traffic regulation, and public convenience measures, are in place to ensure that Republic Day 2026 celebrations are conducted peacefully and with public participation across Kashmir.
Meanwhile, as per an official statement full-dress rehearsals also took place at district headquarters. ADC Budgam, Mehraj-ud-din Shah unfurled the National flag, took salute from parade commander and contingents besides inspected the parade of contingents. 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.
Sandeep Singh Bali also highlighted the district’s achievements in key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, Jal Shakti, women and youth empowerment, macadamization and road connectivity besides Mission Yuva and self-employment initiatives. On the occasion, a series of vibrant cultural items on patriotism and local folk were presented by students from different educational institutions. The rehearsal was attended by ADC, SE Hydraulics, ACR, SP, Executive Engineers R&B & I&FC, CEO, CAO, DYSSO, Tehsildar Anantnag, and officers from police, engineering wings and other departments alongside the general public.
Full dress rehearsal for Republic Day celebration 2026 was held at District Police Lines Kupwara where Additional Deputy Commissioner 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.
Full dress rehearsal was also held at District Police Lines Handwara and District Police Lines Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Shopian as well.
