Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unfurled the national flag at the historic Ridge in Shimla on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day on Sunday (January 26, 2025).
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present at the ceremony. The event featured a grand parade with 27 contingents from the police, army, home guards and NCC.
Prior to the parade, the Governor inspected the contingents while riding in an open jeep.
Various departments showcased 25 thematic tableaux along the Ridge and Mall Road, highlighting the cultural heritage and development initiatives of the state.
District-level celebrations across Himachal Pradesh
In Kullu, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania took the salute at the district-level Republic Day celebrations held at Dhalpur Ground. Contingents from the police, home guards, NCC, NSS and scout guides participated in a spectacular march-past, captivating the audience with their synchronised movements.
Addressing the gathering, Pathania extended his best wishes to the people of Kullu on the occasion.
Similarly, in Dharamshala, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma presided over the celebrations at the Police Ground and took the salute of the parade.
Deputy CM in Una, Rohit Thakur in Hamirpur
This year, ministers and Congress leaders unfurled the national flag at different district headquarters:
• Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri in Una
• Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania in Kullu
• Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar in Keylong, Lahaul-Spiti
• Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil in Mandi
• Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar in Chamba
• Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan in Nahan
• Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi in Reckong Peo, Kinnaur
• Education Minister Rohit Thakur in Hamirpur
• Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh in Bilaspur
• Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani in Solan
• AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma in Dharamshala
Grand parade and cultural exhibitions
The state-level parade in Shimla featured 27 contingents, including ITBP, SSB, women’s and men’s police contingents, district police, Army pipe bands, traffic police, home guards, fire services, postal department and ex-servicemen.
Special performances were also presented by NCC, NSS, Bharat Scouts and Guides, the disaster management group, and the police dog squad.
Additionally, impressive tableaux from the district disaster management authority, HIMURJA, state electricity board, tourism department, agriculture department and various other government bodies added vibrancy to the celebrations.
The tableaux highlighted significant state initiatives such as the CM Sukh Ashray Yojana, DNA mapping role during natural disasters, winter carnivals, maize procurement, milk processing plants, and eco-friendly initiatives like pattal (leaf plate) production and community kitchens.
