Full-dress rehearsal staged at Mahatma Gandhi Marg
A full-dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day was held on Thursday at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar, with 51 contingents taking part in the practice parade, Asianet News reported. Participants included police platoons, security forces and school students preparing for the state's main ceremony on August 15.
The state-level celebrations will see Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi hoist the National Flag at the venue, according to the report. The rehearsal formed part of final preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the public ceremony, with emphasis on drill timings, flag protocols and ceremonial sequences.
Who marched and what residents should expect
The contingents comprised uniformed police units, paramilitary or security force contingents and school contingents, reflecting the customary mix for Independence Day parades. Organisers conducted full uniform inspections, timing checks and route rehearsals to coordinate the event and minimise last-minute disruptions.
- Contingents: 51 (police platoons, security forces, school students)
- Venue: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhubaneswar
- State flag hoisting: Scheduled for August 15 by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
“A full-dress rehearsal was held at Mahatma Gandhi Marg in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, with 51 contingents participating in the practice parade,” Asianet News reported.
Delhi rehearsal, security and traffic advisories
Alongside Bhubaneswar preparations, a full-dress rehearsal was also conducted at the Red Fort in Delhi, where authorities have announced heightened security and traffic arrangements ahead of the main event, the report added. The Delhi Traffic Police issued detailed advisories and route diversions to regulate movement during both the rehearsal and the Independence Day celebrations.
According to the advisory cited in the report, restrictions on entry of commercial vehicles into Delhi were put in place from the night of August 12 until around 10–11 p.m. on August 13, with exemptions for vehicles providing essential services. Important routes such as Rajpath, Tilak Marg and other roads in the Lutyens' Zone earmarked for VIP movement faced diversions.
| Location | Key detail |
|---|---|
| Bhubaneswar | Full-dress rehearsal at Mahatma Gandhi Marg; 51 contingents |
| Delhi | Red Fort rehearsal; traffic and commercial vehicle restrictions (Aug 12–13) |
Practical advice for residents and attendees
Residents and visitors in Bhubaneswar should note the following to avoid inconvenience on August 15 and during final rehearsals:
- Expect temporary traffic diversions and parking restrictions near Mahatma Gandhi Marg during the rehearsal and main event.
- Plan travel early if attending the ceremony; use public transport where possible and follow directions from traffic police on duty.
- Carry identity proof if participating in official contingents or entering restricted zones; strictly follow security screening procedures.
- Those with mobility needs should check in advance with event organisers about designated entry points and seating arrangements.
The rehearsal in Bhubaneswar is part of standard event management and ceremonial practice. City authorities and security agencies typically use these exercises to fine-tune timing, crowd control and movement of dignitaries. Residents are advised to keep an eye on local traffic advisories and official announcements for any last‑minute changes.
Further operational details and specific timings for the state-level ceremony on August 15 were not provided in the report.
