Tiranga Rally in Srinagar: A Celebration of National Pride
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off a massive Tiranga Rally in Srinagar on Wednesday, marking the lead-up to the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
The rally, which began at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), is part of the nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign aimed at encouraging citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes. The campaign was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, and its primary objective is to develop a personal connection with the Tricolour and honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
A Long History of Devotion to the National Flag
Speaking to ANI on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a long history of devotion to the national flag that predates recent political changes. “This Tricolour has not just started flying recently; it has been waving in the sky continuously since Independence–from August 15, 1947, to the present day,” he said.
Choudhary urged observers not to view the region’s patriotism solely through the lens of the abrogation of Article 370. “The fact is, the celebration was observed with the same spirit before August 5, 2019, and it continues to be celebrated with that same spirit today,” he said. “Jammu and Kashmir has made sacrifices for this country, so do not measure it solely against the events of August 5, 2019. Whether on the border, within the Kashmir Valley, or in Jammu–people have made countless sacrifices to keep this Tricolour flying high.”
A New Era of National Pride
Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, hailed the rally and described the current atmosphere as a transition toward a more prosperous future. “Look, these Tiranga rallies that have recently started across the country under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, and in J&K after August 5, 2019–this is a step that is taking us from a dark era towards a bright era,” she said.
Andrabi noted that such displays of national pride were rare in previous decades. “What we are cherishing today had been lost somewhere in Kashmir for the last thirty-five years. The sight we see today–the Tricolour in the hands of these children–this never used to happen,” she said. “Today, there is joy and a sentiment in everyone’s heart to walk with the nation and to walk together.”
A Nationwide Campaign
The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is a nationwide initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes. The campaign seeks to strengthen the spirit of patriotism among citizens and honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters. This year’s celebrations will have a special focus on the commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
A Vibrant Celebration
The major components of Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 will include Tiranga rallies and processions, exhibitions, Tiranga concerts, bike and cycle rallies, Tricolour lighting of important locations, decorations, and Rangoli programmes. Special activities will also be organised under the theme ‘Tiranga Salute to the Spirit of Vande Mataram’, along with the popular “Selfie with Tiranga” initiative.
As the Tiranga Rally wound its way through the streets of Srinagar, it was a testament to the power of national pride and the spirit of patriotism that unites the people of Jammu and Kashmir.