Patriotism In Air, Tricolours Fly High As City Gears Up For R-Day

Nagpur: From Sitabuldi to Sadar, Mahal and Dharampeth, the tricolour quietly took over streets, school grounds, markets and public offices on Sunday, setting the tone for Republic Day celebrations across the city.Makeshift stalls selling national flags, badges, caps and tricolour-themed T-shirts sprung up at busy junctions, drawing steady footfall through the day. Vendors reported brisk sales, especially of small hand-held flags and headbands, as families and youngsters picked up accessories to mark the occasion. "Days around the Republic Day are the busiest for flag and badge sellers. People may bargain, but they always buy something," said Ramesh Yadav, a flag seller near Sitabuldi. Educational institutions are at the heart of the preparations. Schools across Nagpur spent the week rehearsing patriotic songs, group dances and skits, with many campuses staying open beyond regular hours. Teachers coordinated closely with students for the final acts, while parents dropped in to catch glimpses of the practice sessions. Several schools and colleges also decorated their premises with paper flags, posters and rangoli, adding to the festive build-up. "Many of us grew up performing on this day in school, so that feeling stays. Now in college, we still make it a point to be present for the ceremony, considering it our national duty," said Rohit Meshram, a final-year engineering student.Govt and civic offices across Nagpur are observing Republic Day with ceremonies and restricted routine work. Buildings housing the collectorate, divisional commissionerate and other key administrative departments display national flags and decorations, while senior officers and staff attend flag-hoisting programmes. Security arrangements remain in place around major govt installations and public spaces, with police deployment and traffic regulation implemented near venues hosting official events. Also, security at railway stations in the city has been beefed up to ensure the city celebrates the Republic Day peacefully. Revenue minister and guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule will hoist the national flag at the main district-level Republic Day ceremony at Kasturchand Park where at 9.15am. He is scheduled to accept the guard of honour and inspect the parade, followed by an address to citizens. The parade features contingents from the police force, students and other participating groups. As Nagpur readies to mark Republic Day, the mood remains respectful and quietly festive — stitched together by the tricolour.