To assess preparedness, synchronize ceremonial proceedings and identify any gaps requiring immediate attention, full dress rehearsals for the upcoming 80th Independence Day celebrations were held across all districts of Kashmir Division with dignity, discipline and patriotic fervour.
The rehearsals marked the culmination of extensive preparation and provided a vibrant preview of the grandeur and patriotic spirit that will exemplify the national celebration on August 15.
The rehearsals featured an impressive March Past by several contingents, showcasing discipline, coordination and ceremonial precision. The events also witnessed captivating cultural presentations by students and various performing troupes that underscored the values of patriotism, discipline and national unity.
At Srinagar: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, hoisted the National Flag, oversaw the parade, and received the salute during the full dress rehearsal for Independence Day festivities at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.
Several contingents participated in the march-past parade, including units from the Police, CRPF, NCC Cadets, students, and various security agencies.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner witnessed a series of cultural performances that showcased patriotic and cultural songs performed by different artist groups, troupes, and students, aimed at fostering national pride among the citizens.
Senior officials present on the occasion included the IGP Kashmir, DIGPs, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, SSP Srinagar, and other high-ranking officers from security and administrative departments.
Earlier, the Divisional Commissioner laid floral wreath at Balidan Stambh, where he was welcomed by the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, DIG Police, and other civil and police administration officials.
During his address to media, Anshul Garg conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the citizens in anticipation of Independence Day and affirmed that all arrangements have been finalized to ensure a remarkable celebration at Bakshi Stadium.
He noted that today marked the final rehearsal for departments, contingents, and students for the impressive display on Independence Day.
He invited the residents of Srinagar to attend the national celebration at Bakshi Stadium, announcing that entry would be free for the public.
He also assured that comprehensive security measures have been implemented and that there is close collaboration among security agencies.
At Baramulla: The full dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day celebrations was successfully conducted today at Showkat Ali Stadium, Khawaja Bagh, Baramulla, ahead of the main function scheduled to be held at the same venue on August 15.
ADDC Baramulla, Pranjal J. Hazarika, unfurled the Tricolour during the ceremony. The National Song was presented first, followed by the unfurling of the National Flag and the National Anthem.
The ceremonial march-past was presented by contingents of Police, CRPF, SSB, Fire & Emergency Services, BSF, NCC and students, showcasing discipline, coordination and patriotic spirit.
At Anantnag: A full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Independence Day 2026 celebrations was held today at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial, Government Degree College (Boys), Anantnag.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Anantnag, Vikas Ahlawat, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past which was presented by the contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC, and various schools.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC paid rich tributes to the nation's freedom fighters, leaders, and martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the country. He emphasized that it is due to their countless efforts and glorious struggle that we are living in an independent country.
Ahlawat also highlighted the district’s significant achievements in key sectors under different departments and urged everyone to continue the efforts for further progress and development of the district and country at large.
On the occasion, colorful and vibrant cultural items on patriotic themes and rich local heritage and traditions were presented by students from different educational institutions.
The rehearsal was attended by ACR, SP, SE R&B, Executive Engineer R&B, CEO, Tehsildar Anantnag, DySP HQ, DySP DAR, DIO, senior officers from police, engineering wings and other departments alongside a large gathering of the general public.
The rehearsal also featured vibrant cultural performances by students, adding colour and enthusiasm to the celebrations.
The successful conduct of the full dress rehearsal reflected the preparedness of the district administration and participating departments for the main Independence Day function.
The district administration urged people from all sections of society to participate in the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15 and make the occasion a grand and memorable celebration of the nation's unity, pride and patriotic spirit.
At Shopian: A full dress rehearsal for Independence Day celebrations was today held at District Police Lines (DPL) Shopian.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz, who was the Chief Guest, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute of the parade.
The rehearsal witnessed an impressive march-past by contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, J&K Women Police, Forest Protection Force, Home Guards, NCC, GDC Shopian and school students, reflecting remarkable discipline and coordination.
The event also featured colourful cultural programmes and patriotic performances by students, adding vibrancy and fervour to the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, the ADC paid rich tribute to the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the country’s freedom and urged everyone to remember their invaluable contribution. He said that freedom comes with the responsibility to uphold the law, national unity and integrity, calling upon people to remain united and contribute towards the progress and development of the nation and the district.
ASP, Executive Engineers, DIO and other district officer’s, officials and people in large numbers were present on this occasion.
At Bandipora 13: The full dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day celebrations was held today across Bandipora district with patriotic fervour and active participation of students, security forces, officials and the general public.
The main function was held at Government Higher Secondary School Nadihal, Bandipora, where Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Bandipora, Nazir Ahmad Mir, hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the march-past.
The march-past was presented by contingents of CRPF 3rd battalion, J&K Executive Police, BSF, J&K- IRP 21st Batalion, JK SPOs, Home Gaurds, J&K Forest, JKP Women Wing, NCC BHSS Bandipora, NCC Army Good will Schouol Bandipora, NCC High School Bagh, NCC Hr. secondary Quil Muqam, NCC HSS Mantrigam, NCC HSS Nadihal, NCC HSS Aragam, High school Qazipora, G&B Hostel Bandipora, SMS Garoora and followed by police Band Group.
In his address, the ADDC highlighted the significance of Independence Day and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and martyrs. He underlined the importance of collective responsibility in building a developed, clean and prosperous India and highlighted the progress being made in Bandipora in sectors including education, health, tourism, agriculture, horticulture and basic infrastructure. He also called for greater participation of youth in skill development and employment-oriented initiatives and urged all stakeholders to contribute towards cleanliness and development of the district.
The ADDC appreciated the enthusiastic participation of students, officers, security personnel and all stakeholders in the rehearsal and commended the efforts put in to ensure its successful conduct.
Senior Superintendent of Police Bandipora, Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zaffar Husson Shawl, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Bandipora, Deputy District Election Officer, Chief Education Officer, District Information Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, District Youth Services and Sports Officer and other district officers were present on the occasion.
A colourful cultural programme was also presented by students, showcasing patriotism, Kashmiri, Gojri and Shina culture, and the rich cultural diversity of the district. The participating institutions included AGS Hajin and KV BSF Bandipora, GHS Sumbal and HSS Hajin, HS Bonakoot, GHSS Bandipora and JNV Bandipora, G&B Hostel Bandipora and GHS Plan.
Similar full dress rehearsal functions were also held at Irrigation Colony Sumbal and Gurez. Syed Shabber Sarwar, Tehsildar Sumbal, hoisted the Tricolour during the Full Dress Rehearsal for 80th Independence Day celebrations at Dak Banglow, Irrigation Colony, Sumbal, while at Gurez, BDO Gurez hoisted the National Flag. Full dress rehearsal activities were also conducted across other blocks of the district as part of the preparations for the Independence Day celebrations.
At Kulgam: In preparation for the 80th Independence Day celebrations, a full dress rehearsal was conducted today with patriotic fervor at the District Police Lines, Kulgam.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Vikar Ahmad Giri, was the chief guest on the occasion who hoisted the National Flag and took the salute during an impressive march past. The ADC inspected the parade and reviewed the preparedness of all participating contingents.
The march past, led by Dheeraj Shavan, Dy.SP, was presented by contingents of J&K Police, JK Armed Police, CRPF, Women’s Contingent of J&K Police, Home Guards, NCC Cadets, Band Squad and students from various schools of the district. The contingents displayed synchronized drills, band performances, and ceremonial maneuvers, reflecting high standards of discipline and coordination ahead of August 15.
Addressing the participants, ADC Kulgam extended warm greetings to the people of the district on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. He paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and brave soldiers who made supreme sacrifices for the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. He urged everyone to uphold the spirit of unity, patriotism, and communal harmony.
Scintillating cultural, Patriotic and dramatic performances were showcased by school groups who displayed impressive talent and calibre in their events.
The rehearsal witnessed a large and enthusiastic gathering of officials, students, civil society members, and personnel from police, paramilitary and security forces.
Additional SP, Mohd Aftab, ACR, Kulgam, Reyaz Ahmad Shah, Dy. SP, DIO, Tehsildar Kulgam, district and sectoral officers, and police officers attended the function.
At Budgam: In connection with the Independence Day-2026 celebrations, a full dress rehearsal was held today at Sports Stadium Budgam.
Additional District Development Commissioner Budgam, Vivek Agarwal, hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march-past presented by contingents of Police, J&K Armed Police (JKAP), CRPF, NCC and students from various schools of the district.
The rehearsal also featured colourful cultural programmes presented by artists, cultural troupes and students. Performances to patriotic and popular local songs enthralled the audience and drew enthusiastic applause.
Addressing the gathering, the ADDC extended warm greetings on the occasion and highlighted the developmental achievements and welfare initiatives undertaken in the district.
Among those present were ADC Budgam Taufeeq Ahmad Gazi, ASP Budgam Syed Sajjad Bukhari, GM DIC, PO ICDS, CEO, ACD, CHO, CAO, heads of various departments, senior police officers, officers of CRPF and other security agencies, students and media persons.
At Kupwara 13: A full dress rehearsal for the celebration of the 80th Independence Day was held today at District Police Lines (DPL), Zangli, Kupwara, as part of the preparations for the district-level Independence Day function.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Gulzar Ahmad, inspected the parade and took the salute during the march-past. The parade featured contingents from Jammu & Kashmir Police, J&K Armed Police (JKAP), CRPF, BSF, Forest Protection Force, besides contingents of school students.
The Pipe and Brass Bands of BSF, J&K Police, JKAP and the Army added patriotic fervour to the rehearsal with their coordinated performances during the march-past.
Also colourful cultural performances were presented by school students. The performances showcased the themes of national integration, unity in diversity, peace and harmony, and the rich composite culture of Jammu & Kashmir, while also highlighting various government initiatives. Patriotic songs, folk music and traditional dances were among the key attractions of the programme.
ASP Kupwara Shahzad Kabir Mattoo, DIO Kupwara Aadil Manzoor Wani, along with other district officers and officials, were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, similar full dress rehearsals were held at District Police Lines, Handwara; Mini Secretariat, Tangdar; and Government Degree College (GDC), Sogam.
At Handwara, Tehsildar Zeeshan Khan hoisted the National Flag and took the salute during the march-past, while at Sogam, Tehsildar Saqib Mortaza hoisted the National Flag and took the salute.
Officers and officials from the civil administration and police departments participated in the rehearsals. Students from various educational institutions presented vibrant cultural programmes, adding colour and patriotic spirit to the events.
The rehearsals were conducted to ensure seamless coordination and preparedness for the Independence Day celebrations across the district.
At Pulwama: A full-dress rehearsal for the Independence Day 2026 celebrations was held today at the District Police Lines (DPL), Pulwama.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Pulwama, Dr. S.M Ashraf hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past.
The parade, attended by senior officers from the district administration, police and security forces, featured impressive contingents from various security agencies and local schools. The participants demonstrated excellent marching skills and discipline, reflecting the spirit of patriotism and unity.
The rehearsal was followed by a vibrant cultural programme, presented by local artists and school students. The performances highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the region and added a festive charm to the occasion.
In line with this, full dress rehearsal functions were also held at DPL Awantipora and Sports Stadium Bajwani, Tral featuring contingents from security forces and students, along with cultural performances, to ensure that all arrangements are in place for the smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026.
At Ganderbal: A full dress rehearsal for the forthcoming Independence Day-2026 was held today at Qamaria Stadium, Ganderbal.
Additional District Development Commissioner Ganderbal unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took the salute at the march-past presented by contingents of Police, security forces, Home Guards and students from various educational institutions.
The rehearsal witnessed enthusiastic participation of officers and officials of the Civil and Police Administration, security personnel and school students. The disciplined march-past and patriotic performances by students added to the patriotic fervour and provided a preview of the celebrations scheduled for August 15.
The ADDC expressed satisfaction over the arrangements put in place for the smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations and appreciated the efforts of all departments involved in the preparations.
He further stressed the importance of maintaining proper coordination among all concerned departments and directed the officers to ensure adequate arrangements relating to security, traffic management, sanitation, drinking water, power supply, medical assistance and other essential services for the main function.
The full dress rehearsal reflected the spirit of patriotism and enthusiasm among the participants, with school students presenting patriotic items and showcasing their talent as part of the preparations for the national celebration.
The event was attended by senior officers of the Civil and Police Administration, district and sectoral officers, security personnel, teachers and students, besides other concerned officials.
The District Administration has appealed to all to participate in large numbers and celebrate Independence Day with great zeal, pride and enthusiasm.