Rains Disrupt I-Day Events In Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Heavy rains across the city in the run-up to Independence Day have dampened cultural programme rehearsals and forced a shift in venues from outdoor to indoor for several events scheduled for Friday. With a rain alert in place, educational institutions operating on a half-day schedule have had to cut short rehearsals. Many open grounds remain waterlogged, disrupting plans for large-scale outdoor celebrations.

At Stanley Girls High School, Chapel Road, principal and correspondent M. Vinaya Sheela said the school had planned the Independence Day celebrations on a grand scale but was forced to curtail rehearsals. “We have a vast ground and prefer open-air events, but with the rains, we have arranged to move the programme indoors to Chitamber Hall after the flag hoisting,” she said. The school’s planned events include a ‘Tiranga’ concept medley, dances and songs, with nursery children set to perform on a national theme.

Colleges are facing similar disruptions. At R.B.V.R. Reddy Women’s College, Barkatpura, principal Prof. Achyutha Devi said the programme, initially planned for the open ground, would now be held in the auditorium. “We have 2,600 students, including 70 NCC cadets. The cultural heads are reworking the performances,” she said.

Residential welfare associations remain undecided on how to proceed with cultural activities, though flag hoisting is expected to take place outdoors.

The State government will hold the official Independence Day celebrations at Golconda Fort, a tradition since the formation of Telangana. The Chief Minister will hoist the National Flag from the fort, similar to the Red Fort ceremony in Delhi. This year’s programme will feature over 1,200 artistes from Telangana and other states, performing Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Mohiniyattam, Bhangra, Rajasthani dance and Telangana’s folk, tribal and Hyderabadi traditions. Artists will wear native costumes with traditional ornaments and instruments.

The event will begin before 10 am. After the flag hoisting, the Chief Minister will address the gathering and present awards. A rhythmic performance, ‘Swaraj Ritam,’ will be staged every 10 minutes. Special arrangements have been made for rain protection at the venue. Parking will be available up to the Qutub Shahi Tombs, with separate zones for VIPs, officials and the public. About 500 police personnel will be deployed for security, along with disaster relief teams, to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.