The government will organise a week-long cultural extravaganza in the national capital to mark the Independence Day celebrations this year — the first such event on the occasion usually associated with the Prime Minister's address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
The event, which is likely to be inaugurated by Prime Minister, will be held from August 12 to 18.
“After the success and popularity of Bharat Parv at Red Fort, a decision to organise festivities at Rajpath was taken. It will be celebrated with same fervour and objective…a mini India will be created at Rajpath for a week,” Piyush Tiwari, Director (Commercial and Marketing) at ITDC told The Hindu .
He added that the idea for the event came directly from the PMO, as the Prime Minister wanted public participation in all events of national importance.
Until now, Independence Day events were limited to PM's address from the ramparts of the Red Fort with the Defence Ministry in charge of the programme. However, this year multiple Ministries are involved with the Tourism Ministry leading the events. The ITDC is organising the Rajpath event for the Tourism Ministry.
Rajpath will be blocked to traffic, while pedestrians will be allowed to through. “Massive celebrations” are also to take place between Mansingh Road and Janpath in the national capital.
“There will be songs, dance, and sumptuous cuisine from various States for people to enjoy. The entry for people will be free. However, they are required to carry an identity card for security reasons,” Mr. Tiwari said.
People can enjoy food at stalls lined up on one side of the Rajpath, and shop at the State stalls displaying handicrafts on the other side 2 p.m. onwards. The cultural events, where in street singers and dancers from various states will be performing, will start at 6pm and go on until 9pm through the week.
Military bands will play on three small stages; while there will be a big centre stage for cultural performances, similar to Republic Day celebrations.
India Gate, along with 15 other government buildings will be illuminated for the occasion.
“Special chefs and cooks have also been called to set up their stalls. Around 50 stalls are expected, and handicrafts and handlooms from various states will also be showcased,” Mr. Tiwari said.
Fifteen States have already come forward to participate in the event.
