Patriotic fervour grips city; flag sales shoot up

Guwahati: On the eve of the 75th Republic Day celebrations across the country, city roads were adorned with the Tricolour and other items in the three colour of the national flag. Several prominent places such as Guwahati railway station, Gauhati high court and Guwahati Refinery have also adorned with Tricolour lights.On the eve of Republic Day, national flags are fluttering from many shops in markets, including in Silpukhuri, Ganeshguri, Fancy Bazar and Khanapara among others. National flags of different sizes, caps, ribbons, badges, scarves and various other national emblems have flooded the markets. Patriotic songs are also being played through loudspeakers at different locations of the city. Anandaram Borooah flyover at Chandmari and Bhangagarh flyover have also been lit up. A vendor in Silpukhuri, Uttam Dey, said the flags cost anything between Rs 20-Rs 600 depending on the size and quality of the material. “Among all the products, demand for the Tricolour which can be fitted on two-wheelers is the highest. They cost Rs 50 each.”A salesman at an Assam Khadi and Village Industries Board (AKVIB’s) shop in Chandmari, Amulya Kalita, said the flags have been fetching over Rs 1 lakh daily since the past three days. “Although flags sell throughout the year, sales shoot up on Independence Day and Republic Day.” Guwahati commissioner of police Diganta Barah on Thursday appealed to the residents to take part in Republic Day celebrations at Veterinary College playground in Khanapara.