City markets decked up for Republic Day

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 25

Saffron, white and green colours mark the markets as flags, badges, Tricolour ribbons, replicas of Tricolour and balloons decked up the markets. Even Tricolour caps, wrist bands and stationery items were displayed in many shops. Shop owners selling these items said many schools were buying the stationery items to celebrate the Republic Day. They said most of these things were being bought by the school authorities and school children as Republic Day was celebrated in the schools.

“We buy replicas of Tricolour twice in a year — during the Republic Day and Independence Day,” said a student of Class IX.

This seems to be more significant Republic Day this year, as the visit to US President Barack Obama is being celebrated in the city by the residents. Wax statues of Obama and Modi were made and cakes of Obama and Modi have also been made by bakeries in the city. “We have dedicated this cake to the growing friendship between India and US,” said Harjinder Kukreja, a bakery owner.

Chinese connection

Shopkeepers said most of the items even replicas of the National Flag were imported from China. “As everything is coming from China these days, even replicas of National Flag and Tricolour badges have been procured from China.