Patna: Bihar joined the rest of the country on Sunday in celebrating the 77th Republic Day, with the main state ceremony held at Gandhi Maidan in Patna under tight security and ceremonial grandeur.
Governor Arif Mohammad Khan hoisted the national flag at the historic ground, marking the formal beginning of the celebrations. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, and Vijay Choudhary, among other senior leaders and officials.
Following the flag-hoisting, a ceremonial parade featuring 21 marching contingents was held, alongside tableaux presented by 12 state departments. The displays showcased themes ranging from governance and social welfare to development initiatives, drawing applause from spectators gathered at the venue.
The district administration had put in place extensive security arrangements, with multiple layers of policing and crowd management measures deployed across central Patna to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.
Elsewhere in the capital, Republic Day observances were held simultaneously at key constitutional and administrative institutions. Speaker Prem Kumar unfurled the tricolour at the Bihar Legislative Assembly, while Legislative Council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh led the ceremony at the Council. The chief minister also hoisted the national flag at his official residence.
Flag-hoisting ceremonies began early in the morning across Patna at government offices and party headquarters. State leaders of the Janata Dal (United), Bharatiya Janata Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal and Hindustani Awam Morcha presided over celebrations at their respective offices, reflecting the broad participation in the national occasion.
Republic Day, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, continues to be observed in Bihar with a blend of official ceremony and public participation, underscoring the state’s place in the country’s constitutional journey.
