Mumbai: Colourful festivities return on Republic Day after lockdown-induced hiatus – Times of India

MUMBAI: After a gap of two years, Republic Day festivities will resume in housing societies, institutions and other precincts in Mumbai this year.
Two of the largest flags in the country are lovingly tended in minority enclaves.
A humbling sight unfolds at Nagpada junction where hundreds of common citizens, including women and children, turn out in strength for the Republic Day ceremony. Madanpura corporator Rais Shaikh voiced the thoughts of the community saying, “Nagpada-Madanpura are derided as mini-Pakistan by certain people. But the patriotism of our people is a shining example of togetherness. From students of neighbouring Maharashtra College to busy housewives, from little children to policemen of the area, all assemble as one to honour the tricolour and proudly sing the national anthem with respect and fervour.”
At Nagpada’s opposite end of JJ Flyover, the terrace of Haj House has the tallest flag atop any building in the country. CEO of the Haj Committee of India, Yakoob Shekha said, “Our staff members organise the flag hoisting ceremony, sing the national anthem and distribute sweets.”
Haj House’s flag is located atop a 20m tall flagpole. The enormously heavy flag itself measures 20ft x 30ft. The pole is built upon a column that is 12-13ft tall. So the tricolour flutters 350ft above ground level. It is beautifully lit at night.
Housing societies have regrouped for Republic Day after a lockdown-induced hiatus. Vishvajeet Patil, secretary of Dadar Silver Beach society said, “Our residents join beach cleaning drives and follow waste management protocol throughout the year, so we will deliver speeches on sanitation at our Republic Day function to continue motivating youngsters.”
Silver Beach has 37 homes. At the other end of the spectrum is Vasant Oscar, Mulund, with 3,000 flats. Swaminathan Iyer, chairman of the federation of its six societies, said, “We are like a mini-India that celebrates all festivals including Republic Day. We will pay respects to India’s defence forces, Covid warriors, healthcare workers, and felicitate our own vaccination volunteers.” Vasant Oscar’s flag hoisting is conducted by its senior citizens rather than politicians or celebrities.
Rakesh Bakshi of the Flag Foundation continues to beautify his Tivoli housing society in Hiranandani, Powai, each year. He said, “We will hoist a 50ft monumental flag and celebrate Republic Day as CSR Day with Faith Home Orphanage and Pragati Andh Vidyalay, both from Badlapur, whom we have adopted. A huge tricolour air balloon will be flown 200 ft high in the air.”
Although the city is getting back on its feet, the recent wave of Omicron cases has caused a visible dent in community gatherings. Sanjeev Poswal, who manages marketing and publicity for Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC), said, “Sales of the national flag are under way but the flow of customers is lukewarm. Nowhere near pre-Covid times.” KVIC staff will organise a small Republic Day get-together at its Irla headquarters on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, vice-admiral Krishna Swaminathan, chief of staff, Western Naval Command, will address students during a virtual programme organised by the BrihanMumbai Interschool Republic Day (BIRD) Group. They have conducted six parades on the lines of the Rajpath Parade in Delhi. Schools will conduct ceremonies online. The vice admiral’s message to students will be relayed and the Navy Band will play the national anthem.