Shimla Gears Up for Grand Independence Day Celebrations

Shimla, July 16, 2025:
Shimla is set to celebrate Independence Day 2025 on a grand scale, announced Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap during a preparation meeting held at Bachat Bhawan. The festivities will span all 412 gram panchayats, urban and rural local bodies, and every ward of the Shimla Municipal Corporation, ensuring widespread public participation.

The Deputy Commissioner directed that rural areas host events focusing on cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns, and programs centered around the “Children of the State.” The main district-level celebration will include a ceremonial march past by the Himachal Pradesh Police, Home Guards, NCC (boys and girls), Scouts & Guides, and band performances.

Rehearsals for the event will begin on August 11. Freedom fighters and gallantry award-winning armed forces personnel will also be invited to honor their service. The chief guest will release balloons symbolizing key social initiatives like “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and “Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana.”

Cultural programs showcasing the diverse heritage of Himachal Pradesh and other Indian states will be performed by college students. All participants will receive certificates of appreciation.

Educational institutions have been directed to hold patriotic painting and online essay competitions in two categories—school and college—prior to the event. Winning artworks will be displayed outside Gaiety Theatre, and essay winners will be honored during the main ceremony with certificates and cash prizes.

All officers and staff of government departments have been instructed to be present at the event. The meeting was attended by senior officials including SSP Shimla Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi, ADC Abhishek Verma, and others.