Madhya Pradesh is celebrating its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, August 15, with the state-level ceremony scheduled at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal, where Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav will hoist the national flag and take the salute of the parade.

The main ceremony follows a full-dress rehearsal held at Lal Parade Ground on Thursday. The rehearsal replicated the Independence Day programme, including the flag-hoisting ceremony, parade, march-past and security arrangements.

As part of the celebrations, government buildings and prominent public places across Madhya Pradesh were illuminated in the colours of the Tricolour on the eve of Independence Day. The Ministry building in Bhopal, Rani Kamlapati Railway Station, Bhopal Railway Station, Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain and Indore's Rajwada were among the places decorated with special lighting.

CM to Lead State Ceremony

The Lal Parade Ground ceremony is the main state-level Independence Day event in Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will hoist the Tricolour and inspect the parade before taking the ceremonial salute. The preparations have included detailed rehearsals by participating contingents and security personnel.

As part of the state celebrations, 20 police officers are also set to receive medals in recognition of their service.

Full Dress Rehearsal Held

A full-dress rehearsal was conducted at Lal Parade Ground ahead of the main ceremony.

Personnel participating in the parade arrived in full uniform and practised the march-past, coordinated movements and other ceremonial activities. The complete sequence of flag hoisting and related procedures was also rehearsed.

Police and administrative officials inspected the arrangements and issued instructions for necessary improvements before the final programme.

CRPF Ceremony in Mandla

In Mandla, the 148th Battalion headquarters of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) held an Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony.

Commandant Alok Veer Yadav hoisted the national flag in the presence of CRPF officers and personnel. After the ceremony, those present took a pledge to uphold their responsibilities towards the country's unity, integrity and security.

Flag Hoisted Amid Rain in Harda

In Harda, Independence Day celebrations were held at the Middle School Ground, where state Revenue Minister Karan Singh Verma hoisted the national flag during light rain.

Collector Siddharth Jain, Superintendent of Police Shashank, public representatives and administrative officials attended the district-level ceremony.

Despite the rain, the event continued with a patriotic atmosphere as officials extended Independence Day greetings to residents.

Tricolour Lights Across MP

Several important public landmarks across Madhya Pradesh were illuminated in Tricolour lighting as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

In Agar Malwa, Kundalia Dam was decorated in the colours of the national flag. Nine of the dam's 11 gates were opened during the night, creating a prominent view of flowing water against the Tricolour illumination.

The special lighting was also visible at major landmarks in Bhopal, Ujjain and Indore.

Mahakal Gets Tricolour Shringar

At the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Baba Mahakal was given a special shringar for Independence Day during the early morning Bhasma Aarti.

The temple doors opened at around 3 am, following which priests performed the customary rituals and abhishek. Baba Mahakal was decorated with a Tricolour-themed Tripund, along with a silver Om, Bilva Patra crown and Rudraksha garland.

A silver crown featuring the Tripund, Trishul, Damru and Sheshnag was also placed as part of the special decoration.

Temples and Forts Join Celebrations

At the Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, Agar Malwa, the deity was decorated in the form of Bharat Mata for Independence Day.

The temple premises were decorated with Tricolour flags, flowers and lighting. Special Tricolour decorations were also carried out at the Radha-Krishna and Hanuman temples.

In Sendhwa, Barwani district, MLA Montu Solanki hoisted the national flag on the ramparts of the city's historic fort. Local representatives, administrative officials, school students and residents attended the ceremony.

Flag Hoisting Across Districts

The Independence Day celebrations extended to government offices and police establishments across the state.

At the Chhindwara Collectorate, Collector Harendra Narayan hoisted the national flag, followed by the national anthem in the presence of officials and employees.

The Tricolour was also hoisted at Chhindwara Kotwali, where police personnel and staff exchanged Independence Day greetings.

Dhirendra Shastri Appeals for National Unity

On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, sang the patriotic song Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara.

He called for preserving India's sovereignty, unity and integrity and appealed to citizens to take a pledge to protect national unity.

During his remarks, Shastri also made strong comments against people and organisations he accused of acting against India's interests, saying those who support Pakistan should leave the country.

Madhya Pradesh's Independence Day celebrations this year have brought together state-level programmes, district ceremonies, cultural events and Tricolour-themed decorations, with the main event at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal serving as the centrepiece of the celebrations.