77th Republic Day Celebrated with Grandeur at Lucknow's Vidhan Bhawan
Governor Anandiben Patel hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the parade during the 77th Republic Day celebrations held at Vidhan Bhawan in Lucknow. The event was marked by a spectacular display of patriotism, cultural diversity, and state pride, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, and other dignitaries in attendance.
Flag Hoisting and Ceremonial Highlights
The main programme was organised in front of Vidhan Bhawan, where Governor Anandiben Patel performed the flag hoisting ceremony. A flower shower from a helicopter added a vibrant touch to the proceedings, while patriotic songs filled the air, creating an atmosphere of national fervour. The ceremony concluded with the Governor and Chief Minister releasing tricolour balloons, symbolising unity and freedom.
Parade and Marching Contingents
The parade featured a diverse array of contingents, showcasing coordination and discipline. Participants included:
- Contingents of the Indian Army with brass bands
- Uttar Pradesh Police, Home Guards, and the 32nd and 35th battalions of PAC
- Women PAC, Provincial Defence Corps, and NCC cadets
- A contingent from Haryana Police, highlighting inter-state participation
- Students from various educational institutions, including Uttar Pradesh Sainik School, Lucknow, St Joseph College, Atal Awasiya Vidyalaya, and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
The marching units displayed precise and coordinated movements during the march past, reflecting the spirit of discipline and patriotism.
Cultural Programmes and Performances
Cultural programmes were a highlight of the celebrations, with students from numerous schools presenting performances on various themes. Key presentations included:
- A theme presentation titled 'Shikshit Betiyan' by CMS Aliganj
- A band performance by CMS Gomtinagar
- A dance based on the theme 'Viksit Bharat' by Lucknow Public College
- A programme focused on women by SAR Public School
- A cultural performance centred on Ayodhya by students of St Joseph College, Rajajipuram
- Additional presentations by Bal Vidya Mandir, Charbagh, SR Global School, and Bal Nikunj Vidyalaya on themes linked to development and women
Artists from nine states—Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Bihar, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh—performed cultural dances on Vidhan Sabha Marg under the 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' theme. Children associated with Ummeed Sanstha also contributed to the cultural festivities.
Tableaus Showcasing Development Themes
Tableaus depicting 'Viksit Bharat–Viksit Uttar Pradesh' were presented by various departments and institutions. These tableaus highlighted themes such as:
- Tourism and cultural heritage
- Public welfare schemes
- Infrastructure projects
- Overall development initiatives in the state
The tableaus provided a visual representation of the progress and aspirations of Uttar Pradesh, aligning with the national vision of a developed India.
The 77th Republic Day celebrations in Lucknow were a grand affair, blending traditional ceremonies with modern cultural expressions, and reinforcing the values of unity, diversity, and patriotism.
