One of the longest Independence Day celebrations in the country will be organised in Kalimpong with added attractions this year.

The celebrations will continue for two days and most schools in Kalimpong town will remain closed on August 17 as well.

“Preparations are almost complete. This year, as a new addition to the celebration, we have decided to hold a local food festival along D.S. Gurung Road and the response (queries regarding the setting up of stalls) has been overwhelming. We will also organise cultural events along the Main Road,” said Amir Basnet, the secretary of the 77th Independence Day celebration committee.

The main Independence Day celebration will take place at the Mela Ground, which is in the heart of Kalimpong town, with 18 schools and colleges taking part in a march-past and other events on Tuesday. Sara Shankar, a Kalimpong girl who recently cleared the civil service examination, will be felicitated during the celebrations.

Kalimpong MLA Ruden Sada Lepcha will be the chief guest on August 15, while Anit Thapa, the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), will be the guest of honour.

After the school events, the D.P. Upasak Memorial Cup (interschool mini division) and senior division football finals will be held on Tuesday.

Football is a major attraction during I-Day celebrations in Kalimpong with people from neighbouring Darjeeling and Sikkim attending.

On August 16, a cultural programme by various academies and a band display competition among various schools will be held.

“In the afternoon of Wednesday, the inter-school girls and the Independence Shield of the open division soccer tournaments will be held,” said Basnet.

The Independence Shield was started in 1947 and the Indian map, which is displayed on the shield, shows Bangladesh and Pakistan as parts of India.

Teams from across the region, including neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh participate in these football tournament.

On August 16, Kalimpong district magistrate R. Vimala will be the chief guest while Kalimpong superintendent of police Aparajita Rai will be the guest of honour.

Many social organisations have also started cleanliness drives ahead of the I-Day celebrations.

On August 15, no vehicles will be allowed to enter Kalimpong town.