The Indian national flag was unfurled on the 77th Republic Day for the first time at Tral Chowk in Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. To symbolise the unity of generations and their shared commitment to the nation, the flag was unfurled jointly by an elderly, a youth, and a child.

Similarly, on Sunday, Republic Day was celebrated across Kashmir with various functions held in all district headquarters of the valley amidst tight security, officials said, as reported by news agency

The main Republic Day celebration in the valley took place at Bakshi Stadium, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary served as the chief guest.

Defying the morning chill, contingents of police, CRPF, NCC, and schoolchildren participated in a march-past, saluting Choudhary. After the parade, artists from various regions of Jammu and Kashmir performed at the event.

The Bakshi stadium saw an estimated attendance of 20,000 people, primarily government employees. Security personnel were deployed in significant numbers to ensure the smooth conduct of the celebrations, but the atmosphere in the city remained relaxed, with fewer traffic checkposts and no use of concertina wires at intersections.

For the first time in years, mobile internet services were not suspended during the celebrations.