Shimla: 68th Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour across the State today. Functions were organized at State, District, and Sub-Divisional level to mark the occasion. Hoisting of Flags, impressive march-past, cultural programmes were highlights of the functions organized throughout the State.
Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute during a march past at the State-level Republic Day function held on the historic Ridge Maidan, Shimla amidst the incessant downpour with the temperature plummeting down to 3 degrees.
The Governor inspected the parade and took salute from an impressive march past.
The customary grand parade was led by Lieut. Abnam Kumar.
The Lady Governor Darshana Devi, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh were also present on the occasion.
The March past was presented by the contingents of Indo-Tibet Border Police, Assam regiment, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, SSB Jawans, State Police, Homeguards, Bharat Scouts and Guides and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme was also presented in the Gaiety Theatre because of heavy rain on the Ridge. Tableaux highlighting various development activities of different departments also formed part of the Republic Day celebration.
Republic Day celebrations at district headquarters
Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha Brij Behari Lal Butail presided over the district level Republic Day function at Dharamshala amid heavy downpour. Health and Family Welfare Minister Kaul Singh Thakur presided over the district level Republic Day function at Seri Manch, Mandi.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri G.S. Bali unfurled the National Flag at Senior Secondary School Boys, Hamirpur. He took the salute from contingents of the police, Home Guards and student troupes.
The district-level Republic Day function at Bilaspur was presided over by MPP and Power Minister Sujan Singh Pathania. Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri presided over the district level function held at Chamba Chowgan amid rain showers. Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri presided over the district level Republic Day function held at Senior Secondary School ground, Una. He took the salute from contingents of the police, Home Guards and student troupes.
Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma presided over the District-level function held at Nahan in Sirmour district. Social Justice, Empowerment and Sainik Welfare Minister Dr. Col. Dhani Ram Shandil presided over the district level function organized at historic Thodo Ground, Solan. He unfurled the National Flag and took salute at march past by contingents of Police, Home Guard, NCC, Scout and Guides, NYK and school children.
Ayurveda Minister Karan Singh unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the grand parade at Dhalpur ground, Kullu. State police in addition to the parade, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Home Guard, NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides took part in the parade. The Republic Day was also celebrated with fervour at district headquarter Reckong Peo where a large number of people participated in the celebrations in their traditional costumes. Deputy Speaker, H.P. Vidhan Sabha Shri Jagat Singh Negi presided over the function.
Amidst the heavy snowfall from past two days, the Republic Day function was celebrated at district headquarter Keylong with great enthusiasm. Deputy Commissioner Vivek Bhatia unfurled the National flag and took salute of the march past.
