SRINAGAR: As the countdown to the 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, continues, full dress rehearsals have been successfully conducted across various districts of Kashmir, showcasing vibrant displays of patriotism, cultural heritage, and developmental achievements. These rehearsals serve as vital preparations to ensure a grand, secure, and memorable celebration of India’s republic.
Srinagar
In Srinagar, the divisional capital, the full dress rehearsal was held at Bakshi Stadium. Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute from contingents representing police, CRPF, NCC cadets, students, and security agencies. The event was attended by senior officials including IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar Birdi, DIG Central Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, and other senior officers.
Post-parade, cultural performances featuring patriotic songs and folk displays captivated the audience, fostering national pride. Garg expressed his enthusiasm, noting that all arrangements were meticulously finalized despite weather challenges, emphasizing the importance of participation and unity. He urged the public to attend the Republic Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium, requesting attendees to arrive by 8:30 a.m.
Earlier, Garg paid floral tributes at Balidan Stambh, honoring martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation. The event reflected the district’s commitment to patriotic fervor and community involvement.
Budgam
In Budgam, the full dress rehearsal took place at the sports stadium, where ADC Mehraj-ud-din Shah unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute. Contingents from police, JKAP, CRPF, NCC, and local schools participated in the march past, followed by colorful cultural programmes performed by students and artists.
Senior officials from civil and police departments, including PO ICDS, ASP, CEO, and media representatives, were present to witness the proceedings. The event showcased the district’s cultural richness and highlighted ongoing developmental projects, reinforcing the district’s progress and unity.
Kulgam
Kulgam held its full dress rehearsal at the District Police Lines, where ADC Viqar Ahmad Giri unfurled the flag and inspected the parade, which included contingents from CRPF, police, home guards, NCC, and school children. Addressing the gathering, Giri emphasized the district’s achievements in infrastructure, housing, water supply, and social welfare schemes.
He highlighted that over Rs 50 crore had been spent on developmental works, with thousands of houses constructed under government schemes. Kulgam has also been recognized nationally for its progress, receiving the Prime Minister’s Award for outstanding development.
Cultural programmes by students added vibrancy, emphasizing patriotism and unity. Senior officials, including district officers and security personnel, participated in the event.
Anantnag
Anantnag’s rehearsal at the District Police Lines was led by ADDC Sandeep Singh Bali, who unfurled the national flag and took the salute from contingents of CRPF, police, fire services, NCC, and school students. Bali paid tribute to the freedom fighters and highlighted the district’s achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and rural development.
Students showcased patriotic and folk performances, enriching the event’s cultural significance. Senior officials and citizens participated enthusiastically, reflecting the district’s collective spirit of progress and patriotism.
Kupwara
Kupwara’s full dress rehearsal saw ADC Gulzar Ahmad Khan lead the celebrations. The parade of contingents from JKP, JKAP, CRPF, IRP, and school children was inspected and the march past was conducted smoothly. Khan spoke about the importance of Republic Day and highlighted key developmental initiatives, including infrastructure projects and social schemes.
School children performed patriotic songs and cultural acts, emphasizing national pride. Similar rehearsals took place in Handwara, Lolab, and Karnah subdivisions, with local officials unfurling the national flag and participating in the parade.
Baramulla
In Baramulla, ADC Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi led the full dress rehearsal at the District Police Lines, where he unfurled the national flag and took the salute. The event was marked by the participation of students from local schools, who performed patriotic songs and folk dances, showcasing the district’s cultural heritage.
Musvi highlighted the district’s successful hosting of major religious and cultural events in 2025, emphasizing the district’s reputation for religious harmony and efficient governance. He also outlined ongoing development initiatives in infrastructure, healthcare, and digital education, and stressed youth empowerment and women’s self-reliance programs.
Bandipora
Bandipora’s rehearsal at S.K. Stadium was led by ADC Zaffar Husson Shawal, who unfurled the flag and inspected contingents from CRPF, police, NCC, and schoolchildren. The event featured a lively performance by the J&K Police Band and colorful cultural displays by students, emphasizing patriotic themes.
Shawal highlighted the district’s achievements in infrastructure, tourism, and social welfare schemes, and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of security forces, officials, and the public. The event also included rehearsals at subdivision and block levels, involving local officials and citizens.
Pulwama
In Pulwama, ADC Dr. S.M. Ashraf led the full dress rehearsal, with contingents from CRPF, police, NCC, and school children. The parade celebrated the district’s developmental milestones, such as infrastructure projects, healthcare, and social schemes.
Cultural programmes and patriotic songs resonated with the audience, reinforcing a collective spirit of national pride. The event underscored Pulwama’s progress and unity in diversity.
Ganderbal
Ganderbal’s rehearsal at Qamaria Stadium was overseen by ADDC Manzoor Ahmad Bhat. The march past included contingents from CRPF, police, forest protection, and school students. Cultural performances, including patriotic songs and folk dances, added vibrancy to the event.
Bhat highlighted the district’s successful hosting of religious festivals and emphasized development initiatives like infrastructure, eco-tourism, and youth empowerment programs. The event reflected Ganderbal’s blend of cultural richness and administrative efficiency.
Shopian and other districts
Shopian’s rehearsal saw ADC Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz lead the unfurling of the flag and parade inspection, with contingents from CRPF, police, and forest protection participating. The event focused on honoring those who sacrificed for the nation and reaffirmed the commitment to uphold constitutional values.
Similarly, full dress rehearsals in other districts reinforced a sense of unity and pride, setting the stage for the main Republic Day celebrations on January 26.