People gear up to celebrate Independence Day

People start hoisting flags on homes, cars, bikes and cycles

Shopkeepers sell national flag-themed dresses at a market in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: AGHA MEHROZ/EXPRESS

RAWALPINDI:
It is an august occasion in August. The arrival of the month heralds the advent of Independence Day celebrations.

Beginning in August, the country's 72nd birthday celebrations have started off. People have started hoisting national flags on roofs, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, shops and homes.

City administration has put up decorations at important intersections while owners of commercial buildings and plazas have decorated the structures with colourful lights.

As the city moves to fireworks on Independence eve, street vendors have found livelihood in sale of national flags and national flag themed t-shirts, caps, sunglasses, wrist bands, and badges. The stalls selling Independence Day paraphernalia are playing national songs on amplifiers giving a patriotic air to the ambiance.

Women and girls are stocking up on flag-coloured bangles and dupattas. The young and jovial could be seen buying green and white masks and also wigs to sport on Independence Day bike rallies.

August 14 will see flag hoisting ceremonies at important government offices including Commissioner’s office, DC office, district bar, high court bar and such. On this special day, even prisoners in Rawalpindi Central Adiyala Jail get special food and halva.

In pictures: Pakistan celebrates 72nd Independence Day

On Independence Day, people will take out torch bearing rallies and bike rallies to pay homage to the sacrifices offered by our forefathers for independence.


Different public and private departments will hold special functions and activities including seminars, discussion programmes, photographic exhibitions, painting, poetry, national songs and debate competitions with the focus on acknowledging the contribution of leaders of Pakistan movement and sacrifices of national heroes.

Nowadays, printers and makers of buntings, flags, banners and badges are fully engaged in their business.

Jashan-e-Azadi preparations at its peak as the citizens are getting ready to celebrate Independence Day with great enthusiasm and national zeal.

The most enthusiastic are children who are busy collecting stickers, badges and also beautifying their bicycles with special stickers inscribed with messages of Independence Day.

The makers of buntings, flags, banners and badges are working round the clock to meet the demand as well as supplying to other adjoining areas of the city.

Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) will also arrange artisans exhibition, folk dance performances, photographic exhibitions and other activities to mark Independence Day.

A number of stalls carrying bunting, flags, badges, Azadi dresses, toys and other accessories have been set up in all commercial areas of the city to attract youth and children.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 3rd, 2019.
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