Independence Day festivities begin in Kalimpong

REZA PRADHAN

DARJEELING,: Keeping tradition alive, Kalimpong is steeped in festive fervour as a spectacular Independence Day celebration gets underway in the town, with events scheduled through August 17.

Known for its grand celebrations, the hill town, as every year, has left no stone unturned, with excitement palpable across the community.

As part of the festivities, the Independence Shield football tournament began on July 14, with the final scheduled for August 17, the concluding day of the celebrations. The Independence Shield was started in 1947. Teams from across the country, as well as Nepal, have participated in the tournament, which is being held at Mela Ground.

Adding to the festivities is a food festival, which began on Wednesday and will continue until August 14. The food fiesta features street food stalls along D.S. Gurung Road, where people have been seen queuing up for vegetarian delicacies. Similar enthusiasm can be seen at the Industrial Park, where stalls offering a variety of non-vegetarian dishes have been set up.

The patriotic spirit soared on Thursday as a two-wheeler rally was taken out in Kalimpong. More than 300 men and women participated in the rally with gusto, displaying the Tricolour flag along the route.

The 80th Independence Day Kalimpong Organising Committee coordinator, Suva Pradhan, said, “The rally held today was also to spread the message of Har Ghar Tiranga. About 350 bikers took part in it today. It started from Damber Chowk, took a round of Kalimpong and ended at Mela Ground.”

The main programmes, however, are scheduled for the three days beginning August 15. A march-past competition will be held on the first day, followed by an inter-school marching band competition the next day. A colourful parade will make its way through the streets of Kalimpong on both days, with the main drill display being held at Mela Ground.

Students from different schools and institutions will participate, with brass, pipe and bagpiper bands expected to be the main attractions.

On August 17, apart from the football final, a cultural programme is also scheduled at Mela Ground.

“This tradition of celebrating Independence Day started right from when the country got its freedom. Every year, we keep this tradition alive by organising different programmes during this period,” Pradhan said.

The festivities are not limited to programmes. The town has been decorated with tricolour lights across the streets, while the Indian flag can be seen fluttering from homes and shops. People also join in the celebrations by buying new clothes during this period.

Many people from Kalimpong who work or study outside the town are also returning home during this time to be part of the festivities.