Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day celebrations at Mahatma Gandhi Marg here on Thursday and took the salute during the parade led by Kesinga SDPO Yaspratap Shrimal. The Governor also inspected the guard of honour.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik attended the event as the guest of honour.
Various traditional dances and music marked the celebrations. Troupes from Kabisuryanagar in Ganjam performed Pasu Mukha Nrutya amid Ghanta Mrudanga music while artistes from Boudh district enthralled the audience with Sabar Sabaruni dance. Bajasal, Singari and Ghumura dances were performed by artistes of Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district and Dhemsa dance by the artistes of the primitive tribes of Rayagada district.
On the occasion, tableaux of nine key departments of the Odisha government including agriculture, health, education, Panchayati Raj and drinking water, works department, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Department, Tourism, OSACS, OMC and fire department were displayed highlighting various initiatives.
This year, a troop of Andhra Pradesh police took part in the Republic Day parade for the first time. Daredevil acts were displayed on motorcycles on the occasion. Moreover, Skating Academy also performed skating during the celebrations.
After two years of Covid curbs, this year’s Republic Day was celebrated across Odisha without any curbs. People in large numbers, including school and college students, attended the Republic Day celebrations across the state.
