In a departure from the years’ old tradition, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday joined as guest of honour at the State-level Republic Day celebration held here on Sunday where Governor Ganeshi Lal unfurled the Tricolour.
It was a tradition that Chief Ministers used to attend the Republic Day function in Cuttack while Governors attend the State-level parade in Bhubaneswar.
This time, Naveen preferred not to visit Cuttack and allowed Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari to hoist the National Flag in the old capital city.
The Governor and the Chief Minister greeted the people separately.
As many as 48 troops took part in the parade, which was led by Traffic DCP Sagarika Nath.
Cultural performances, skating, movement of 12 tableaus and a motorcycle stunt show by daredevils of the Maharishi College of Natural Law were other attractions at the function.
In a message, the Chief Minister paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyred soldiers. “Committed service, courage, dedication and determination will be the new identity of the State,” said Patnaik.
He urged the people of Odisha to work in tandem for the development of the State.
Meanwhile, Lord Lingaraj’s famous Rukuna Rath
rolled out on the Rajpath in New Delhi on the occasion of the national-level Republic Day function.
The tableau depicted Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. It featured a replica of Rukuna Rath with a ‘Nandi’ (Bull) made of fibre glass and a miniature model of the 11th Century Lingaraj Temple. Around 30 Odissi dancers performed on the Rajpath.