Bakshi Stadium’s two-decade hiatus ends with grand Independence Day Event

Srinagar, Aug 15: Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium witnessed an overwhelming surge of spectators after a span of two decades, as people of all ages, gathered to commemorate the 77th Independence Day.
It is worth mentioning here that authorities had lifted restrictions on the movement of people imposed in the past in view of terror threats.
The streets leading to the stadium remained overfilled as men, women, and children flocked to witness the event.
An enthusiastic crowd formed long queues, eager to gain entry to Bakshi Stadium to witness the Independence Day parade. BashratAhad, a local resident, who had travelled along with his friends to the venue, said he was able to witness the event only after the administration announced to consider valid identity cards as entry passes, eliminating the need for special passes.
The reinvigorated Bakshi Stadium, which was out of bounds for major events such as the Independence Day since 2018 owing to its renovation, became the focal point of the celebrations on Tuesday.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the chief guest, hoisted the Tricolour and addressed the people.
The authorities had earlier said that no restrictions would be imposed on public movement and no passes were required for entry into the stadium. This inclusivity encouraged a massive turnout of people carrying national flags and filled the stadium stands. Officials highlighted that this was the largest civilian gathering at the Bakshi Stadium in the past two decades. In 2003, an estimated 20,000 individuals had gathered for a similar event.
Numerous schools across the city commenced their day with flag-hoisting ceremonies, echoing the patriotic spirit that reverberated throughout Srinagar on this momentous occasion. The reopening of Bakshi Stadium after a comprehensive renovation costing over Rs 50 crore symbolised a return to its historical significance as a venue for major events.