300-metre-long tricolour carried through streets
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Aug 15: Despite the rainy weather, Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar city, was brimming with festive energy as locals and visitors gathered to celebrate Independence Day 2024.
The highlight of the celebrations was a vibrant ‘Tiranga Rally’ led by students from various schools and sectors, which featured a massive 300-metre-long Indian flag carried through the historic streets of Lal Chowk.
According to the details obtained here, the rally was further enriched by the participation of Kashmiri Pandits, who used the occasion to promote messages of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood. Their resonant slogans added to the lively atmosphere.
Among the notable participants was Arun Harvani from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, who caught everyone’s attention with his body painted in the tricolour. Harvani was seen waving the Indian flag enthusiastically at Srinagar’s iconic Clock Tower, becoming a symbol of national pride.
Adding to the unique cultural flavour of the event, Mohammad Maqbool, an artisan from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, displayed a handcrafted Indian flag on a traditional Kashmiri rug. His creation, exhibited at the Clock Tower, represented a fusion of regional artistry with national pride, capturing the essence of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
Local shopkeepers and residents also expressed their joy over the celebrations.
Abdul Rashid, a shopkeeper in Lal Chowk, shared his thoughts: “It’s heartening to see people come together to celebrate the nation’s independence. It did rain in the morning, but Lal Chowk was jam-packed with activities throughout the day.”
Another local resident added, “It’s wonderful to see such a diverse range of people participating in the celebrations. It brings a sense of unity and pride in our country.” Earlier in the day, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the 78th Independence Day gathering at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar—(KNO)
