Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off a large Tiranga Rally from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The event was organised ahead of the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a long-standing connection with the national flag. He said this sentiment existed well before recent political developments.
“This Tricolour did not start flying only recently. It has remained part of the country’s journey since August 15, 1947. People here have always made sacrifices for the national flag,” Choudhary said.
He also said the region’s patriotic spirit should not be viewed only in the context of the abrogation of Article 370. He said Independence Day celebrations were held with the same enthusiasm before August 5, 2019, and continue in the same spirit today. Choudhary said people across Jammu and Kashmir, including those living along the borders, in the Valley and in Jammu, have made many sacrifices for the country and the Tricolour.
J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi welcomed the rally and said the region was moving towards a more positive and prosperous future.
Andrabi said Tiranga rallies have gained momentum across the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and have also become more visible in J&K after August 5, 2019. She described the change as a move away from a difficult past towards a brighter future.
She said the national flag is now being embraced by people across generations in Kashmir. According to her, the Tricolour is no longer just seen on buildings but has also become a symbol of pride among the region’s youth.
Andrabi said such scenes were uncommon in Kashmir in earlier decades. She said seeing children carrying the Tricolour today reflects a growing sense of happiness and a desire to move forward with the rest of the country.
The rally passed through various parts of Srinagar as part of the nationwide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. The initiative encourages people to display the national flag at their homes ahead of Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The campaign seeks to encourage citizens to hoist the Tricolour and build a personal connection with the national flag. It also honours the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and promotes a sense of patriotism.
This year’s programme will also highlight 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. Events will be organised across districts, blocks and panchayats as part of the celebrations.
The 2026 campaign will include Tiranga rallies, processions, exhibitions and concerts. Bike and cycle rallies, Tricolour lighting at important sites, decorations and Rangoli programmes are also planned.
Special programmes will be held under the theme ‘Tiranga Salute to the Spirit of Vande Mataram’. The popular ‘Selfie with Tiranga’ activity will also form part of this year’s celebrations.
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