The Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir are set to take place with grandeur and patriotism across the Union Territory. This year, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will preside over the main function at MA Stadium, Jammu, taking the salute during the ceremonial parade. The celebrations reflect the region’s commitment to unity and progress underlined by this significant national occasion.

Main Republic Day Event in Jammu

The official Republic Day function will be hosted at the MA Stadium in Jammu, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha will take the salute. The event will also feature a ceremonial hoisting of the national flag, cultural performances, and a parade showcasing the valor and discipline of the security forces, along with representations from various schools and institutions.

Additionally, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been announced as the chief guest for the occasion, marking his participation in this significant celebration.

District-Level Celebrations Across Jammu & Kashmir

The Republic Day events will also be observed at the district level across Jammu and Kashmir. According to the General Administration Department (GAD) order, several key officials, including ministers and District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons, will preside over the ceremonies and take the salute in various districts.

Ministers to Preside in Select Districts

For the first time, ministers from the elected government will take part in district-level celebrations, replacing DDC chairpersons in certain areas.

• Srinagar: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary will preside and hoist the national flag.
• Anantnag: Sakina Masood Itoo, Minister for Health, Education, and Social Welfare, will lead the celebrations.
• Udhampur: Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Ecology, and Tribal Affairs, will preside over the function.
• Baramulla: Javid Ahmed Dar, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, will hoist the flag and address attendees.
• Kathua: Satish Sharma, Minister for Food, Transport, and Sports, will lead the Republic Day function.

Role of District Development Council (DDC) Chairpersons

In the remaining 14 districts, the respective DDC chairpersons will preside over the Republic Day ceremonies. These leaders will oversee the hoisting of the tricolor and take the salute during the parades organized at district headquarters.

This change in protocol reflects the evolving governance structure in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring broader representation at different administrative levels.

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Republic Day Celebrations at Sub-Divisional and Tehsil Levels

The Republic Day festivities will also extend to sub-divisional and tehsil levels, ensuring participation in even the remotest areas of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the GAD order:

• Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) will preside over the celebrations in their respective sub-divisional headquarters.
• Tehsildars or Senior Civil Officers will take the salute and lead the flag hoisting at tehsil, block, or municipal headquarters.

These arrangements aim to ensure a unified celebration across all administrative levels.

The Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir this year promise to be a vibrant and unifying occasion. With Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presiding over the main event at MA Stadium, and district-level functions led by ministers, DDC chairpersons, and other officials, the festivities will resonate across the Union Territory. These celebrations symbolize the spirit of democracy, progress, and unity, bringing the people of Jammu and Kashmir closer in their shared national identity.