Chhattisgarh celebrated its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hoisting the national flag at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur. The state-level ceremony featured a march past by 17 platoons, including contingents from central armed forces, Chhattisgarh Police and other security organisations.

This year's parade included personnel from the BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF and SSB, along with a contingent of Bihar Police. Chhattisgarh Police's male and female contingents, jail police, Nagar Sena, NCC cadets and mounted police also participated.

The dog squad and mounted contingent were among the major attractions of the ceremony.

17 Platoons Join March Past

The parade featured contingents representing various security and police forces.

The participating groups included the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, Bihar Police, Chhattisgarh Armed Force male and female contingents and Chhattisgarh Police personnel.

Jail Police, male and female Nagar Sena contingents, NCC boys' and girls' groups, the mounted contingent, dog squad and police band also formed part of the programme.

The parade was commanded by IPS officer Vimal Kumar Pathak, with Nishant Kumar Kurre serving as the second-in-command.

Dog Squad, Horse Show Draw Attention

The trained police dogs demonstrated their specialised skills during the Independence Day programme.

The mounted contingent also participated in the ceremony, adding to the visual display during the march past. A horse show and dog show were scheduled as part of the programme following the main parade.

School students also presented cultural performances after the formal ceremony.

Possible Announcement on Commissionerate System

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's address was closely watched for a possible announcement concerning the police commissionerate system in Raipur.

There was speculation that the government could announce an expansion of the Raipur commissionerate's jurisdiction to cover the entire district. There was also discussion about potentially introducing the commissionerate system in Durg or Bilaspur.

However, these developments had not been officially confirmed at the time of the report.

The police commissionerate system has been operational in Raipur since January 23, 2026.

Preparations Started in July

Preparations for the Independence Day parade began on July 29, with participating personnel and contingents conducting regular rehearsals.

A final full-dress rehearsal was held on Thursday, replicating the main ceremony planned for August 15. The march past, flag-hoisting procedures, band performance and other activities were rehearsed in detail.

The mounted contingent also conducted practice sessions ahead of the main event.

Officials Inspect Arrangements

Senior police and administrative officials reviewed preparations at the Police Parade Ground ahead of the ceremony.

Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, ADG Vivekanand Sinha, Police Commissioner Sanjeev Shukla and Raipur Collector Dr Gaurav Singh inspected the venue.

Officials reviewed security arrangements, the parade route, stage preparations, traffic management and other logistical arrangements and issued necessary instructions.

During the full-dress rehearsal, Chief Minister's security officer Harish Tiwari attended as the chief guest, hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the parade.

Bihar Police Joins Parade

The participation of Bihar Police was one of the notable features of this year's Raipur ceremony.

The central forces and state security contingents marched together as part of the 17-platoon formation, highlighting the participation of different security organisations in the state-level Independence Day programme.

A women's bagpiper band also performed during the marching presentation under the leadership of constable Sonbati Thakur.

Tight Security in Raipur

Police deployed additional personnel around the Police Parade Ground and surrounding areas to ensure security during the main Independence Day ceremony.

Arrangements were made to regulate movement and manage crowds, while security teams monitored the venue and access points.

Following the flag hoisting and march past, the programme included the Chief Minister's address, medal ceremony, dog show, horse show and cultural performances by school students.

The Raipur ceremony was the centrepiece of Chhattisgarh's Independence Day celebrations, with the participation of police forces, central armed forces, NCC cadets and other contingents.