Women took the lead in a Tricolour Yatra in Chhattisgarh’s Bilaspur for the first time on Wednesday as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign ahead of Independence Day. Carrying a 300-foot-long national flag, the participants marched for around 2.5 kilometres through the city.

The yatra was organised in the Beltara Assembly constituency, with BJP workers, women participants, Scouts and Guides, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers joining the procession.

Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla and other male party workers followed the women during the march, while the women took responsibility for leading the procession.

Yatra Begins From Rajkishore Nagar

The procession began from Rajkishore Nagar Chowk and moved towards Bharat Mata Chowk at Lingiyadih.

After reaching the destination, participants performed prayers and offered floral tributes before concluding the yatra.

The women had arranged the 300-foot Tricolour and also participated in welcoming activities along the route. At several points, flowers were showered on the procession.

The decision to hand over leadership of the yatra to women was taken after considering the active participation of women representatives and BJP workers in the Beltara constituency.

Seven municipal wards in the constituency have women councillors, while several women leaders and party workers are also active in the area.

Women Lead ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ Campaign

The organisers said the initiative marked the first time that women had taken the lead in a Tricolour campaign of this scale in the district.

Large numbers of women walked through the streets carrying the national flag, with the procession attracting attention from residents along the route.

Beltara MLA Sushant Shukla said the participation of women had made the event significant.

He said the sight of women taking to the streets with the Tricolour reflected their respect and commitment towards the nation and could also serve as an inspiration for younger generations.

The procession concluded with a floral tribute to Bharat Mata.

RPF Band Performs at River View

As part of the Independence Day celebrations, a separate patriotic cultural programme was organised at River View in Bilaspur.

The programme was jointly organised by the district administration, police, municipal corporation and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

The RPF band performed instrumental versions of several patriotic songs, creating a ceremonial atmosphere ahead of Independence Day.

The programme began with ‘Vande Mataram’, followed by patriotic songs including ‘Dil Diya Hai, Jaan Bhi Denge Ae Watan Tere Liye’ and ‘Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon’.

The performance was led by SK Paul.

Tribute to Freedom Fighters

The cultural programme also highlighted the contribution of freedom fighters and the significance of the national flag.

Bilaspur Mayor Pooja Vidhani said the Tricolour serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who gave up their lives for India's independence.

She said respecting the country's freedom also involves contributing to society through activities such as maintaining cleanliness, conserving water and keeping the city clean.

District Panchayat president Rajesh Suryavanshi said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign conveys a message of respect and responsibility towards the nation and the national flag.

Municipal Corporation chairman Vinod Soni said the Tricolour represents the pride of the country and should be displayed with respect in homes.

Appeal to Youth to Stay Away From Drugs

Bilaspur SSP Rajnesh Singh said India's independence was achieved through the struggle, courage and sacrifice of countless freedom fighters.

He described the Tricolour as a symbol of the country's unity and integrity and appealed to young people to follow the values of national leaders, work towards their careers, obey the law and stay away from drugs.

District Panchayat CEO Sandeep Agrawal said Independence Day represents the outcome of a long struggle and sacrifice by the country's freedom fighters.

He said the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign helps take the message of patriotism and national pride to people across society.

Several officials, including SDM Manish Sahu, Municipal Corporation Additional Commissioner Khazanchi Kumharand RPF Assistant Commandant Syed Nihal, were present at the programme.

The celebrations come ahead of Independence Day, with Tricolour campaigns and patriotic events being organised across Chhattisgarh.