Himachal Pradesh is celebrating its 71st Himachal day with much fanfare and gaiety today. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweet congratulates the people of Himachal for the 70th anniversary of its formation.

A number of cultural events are being organized across the state. Earlier the state level event was decided to celebrate at Indora in Kangra district but due to the tragic school bus accident at Nurpur in which 27 people lost their life’s including 24 children the event has been

shifted to Shimla. The main event held at ridge maidan in Shimla, where the ceremonial parade was presented by state police. Chief Minister Jairam Thakur unfurled the national flag and took the salute of a Parade presented by police, home guards and NCC cadets.

Thousands of people in their traditional colourful attire witnessed the ceremony with great enthusiasm and joy. It may be recalled that the hill state came into existence after the merger of 30 odd princely states in 1948.