This year the official Republic Day celebration in Ranchi will be sans any prabhat pheri (procession) and cultural programmes because of the ongoing covid-19 pandemic. Deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan announced this news on Monday after chairing a meeting in this regard.

He maintained that the official celebration would have a small ritualistic parade and jhakis (tableaus) put up by different government departments. The entry of the general public would also be limited. During the event, Covid-safety guidelines will be strictly followed.

Every year, Ranchi’s Morabadi ground hosts both Independence and Republic Day celebrations. As per practice, the chief minister hoists the tricolor during Independence Day in Ranchi while the governor does so in the state’s second capital – Dumka, while on Republic Day, it the reverse.

This afternoon, DC, senior SP SK Jha and other officials of Ranchi district administration and Municipal Corporation held a two-hour-long meeting at the collectorate building to chalk out the modalities for the upcoming R-Day celebration.

Ranjan said, “The Republic Day function will be held amid heightened precaution as Covid cases in Ranchi are still higher compared to other districts. We have decided to do away with the cultural programmes and prahbat pheri but will allow parade and tableaus.”

The district administration is yet to finalise the number of visitors that will be attending the programme. However, he added that the seating arrangements and other drills in the run-up to January 26 celebrations will be done in a way that is more or less similar to those done for the Independence Day celebration. “Covid safety norms like social distancing at the venue, mandatory use of masks, etc will be followed in toto,” he said, adding that respective departments have been assigned specific jobs to ready the venue on time.

For example, Ranchi Municipal Corporation has been asked to ensure the installation of mobile toilets and washbasins at the venue while the fire department has been directed to review fire safety requirements for the same.

Senior SP Jha said, “Soon we will review security requirements and traffic plan for a smooth passage to and fro from the venue. We shall notify traffic regulations after finalizing the route maps, parking arenas among others.”