Mangangcha

Imphal : As Independence Day approaches, Manipur is preparing for a State-wide celebration of patriotism with the Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 campaign, which will be observed from August 9 to 17. The initiative, led by the Art & Culture Department, aims to transform the Tricolour from a symbol seen only on official buildings into one proudly displayed in every home and community across the State.

Announcing the programme at a press conference held at the Mini Conference Hall, North Block, Civil Secretariat, Mantripukhri, Naorem Praveen Singh, IAS, Secretary (Art & Culture), Government of Manipur, said this year’s campaign carries added significance as it coincides with the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram.” A series of cultural, educational and community-based events have been planned to strengthen the spirit of patriotism and national unity while encouraging citizens of all ages to participate.

One of the major attractions of the campaign will be the State-level Vande Mataram-themed Tiranga Concert, to be held at MSFDS Hall on August 12 in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA).

The celebration will also include exhibitions on the National Flag and Vande Mataram in schools, colleges and public spaces, organised jointly by the Departments of Education (Schools), Higher Education and Technical Education along with the Art & Culture Department.

Beyond official ceremonies, the campaign is designed to reach people at the grassroots. Bike and cycle rallies will travel through districts and Gram Panchayats, students will create Tiranga-inspired artwork, colourful Tricolour rangolis will decorate public spaces, and government offices and important buildings across the State will be illuminated in the colours of the National Flag.

To encourage wider participation, nearly two lakh National Flags have been kept ready for distribution. Tiranga selfie points will also be set up in Imphal and district headquarters, allowing citizens to capture and share their participation through the official Har Ghar Tiranga portal.

The Secretary said preparations are already in full swing following a high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, where Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners and officials of various departments finalised plans for the campaign.

As part of the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14, commemorative programmes and public awareness events will be organised across the State. Students have also been encouraged to take part in the National Online Quiz on the MyGov portal between August 1 and September 15.

The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) will coordinate publicity and document the celebrations across the State. Appealing to government departments, educational institutions, civil society organisations and the public, the Art & Culture Department urged everyone to join the campaign and make Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 a true people’s movement, carrying the message of patriotism, unity and national pride to every corner of Manipur.

Others present at the press conference included K. Dinamani Singh, Director (Art & Culture); Sunanda Thokchom, Joint Secretary (Art & Culture); Mrinashree Mairembam, Joint Director (Art & Culture); G. Dharmadas Sharma, Joint Director (Art &Culture); and Longjam Johnson Singh, Programme Officer.