Patna: 14 teams to participate in Republic Day parade, 8 tableaux to be displayed

PATNA: Soaked in patriotic fervour, the city is all set to celebrate the Republic Day on Wednesday. Security has been beefed up in and around the historic Gandhi Maidan where the main event will be held in presence of governor Phagu Chauhan and chief minister Nitish Kumar.
The event will be telecast live on different digital platforms from 8am in view of Covid pandemic.
Several landmarks and buildings have been bedecked with lights and floral decorations reflecting the tricolour.Police and traffic personnel started conducting rigorous vehicle checks in Patna on the eve of Republic Day on Tuesday.
A dog squad was deployed at Gandhi Maidan. Around 300 police officers have been deputed inside Gandhi Maidan to ensure peaceful celebrations. At least 200 police officers will remain present outside Gandhi Maidan during the event.
Altogether 14 contingents will take part in R-Day parade this year led by woman officer Kamya Mishra. Armed forces (men), district armed forces (women), CRPF, SSB, ITBP, BMP (men), BMP (women), home guard, dog squad and fire brigade will participate in the parade. Eight decorated tableaux will also be displayed highlighting social messages and different schemes of the state government.
Meanwhile, markets in the city were flooded with the tricolours and other decorative items like badges, caps, balloons, streamers, wreaths, brooches, ribbons and wrist bands. Makeshift stalls selling tricolours and wide range of related items have come up at different places. The sweetmeat shops were selling tri-colour barfi, mithais (sweets) and cakes on Tuesday.
Most educational institutions in the city, especially schools, will celebrate the event virtually owing to Covid restrictions.