15 August,2026 03:53 PM IST | Mumbai | Ronak Mastakar
The organisers said more than 10,000 students and around 15,000 citizens participated in the rally. Pic/Special Arrangement
A massive 35,000-square-foot Tricolour was unfurled in Dombivli on Independence Day 2026 during a large-scale âHar Ghar Tiranga' rally organised by the Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation in association with more than 100 social organisations.
According to a statement issued by the organisers, more than 25,000 people, including students and local residents, took part in the event.
The organisers said more than 10,000 students and around 15,000 citizens participated in the rally.
Participants unfurled the giant national flag during the event as part of the âHar Ghar Tiranga' campaign, which encourages citizens to display the Tricolour during Independence Day celebrations.
The foundation said the initiative was subsequently registered by World Records India and the India Book of Records. It described the event as a record-setting achievement for the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency.
While the large turnout was the main highlight of the event, the absence of senior BJP leaders also became a talking point locally.
Sources said BJP state president Ravindra Chavan, who is associated with the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency, and several other BJP leaders had been invited to the programme. However, no senior BJP leader attended the rally.
Several prominent BJP office-bearers at the local level were also reportedly absent.
The absence attracted attention because the event was organised around the âHar Ghar Tiranga' campaign, which has been promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The participation of thousands of people in an event centred on the national flag, alongside the absence of BJP leaders, led to political discussion in the area.
Sources suggested that the programme's association with the Shiv Sena and its large public turnout may have influenced the BJP leadership's decision to stay away.
However, there has been no official statement from the BJP explaining why its leaders did not attend the event.
The rally comes amid continuing political competition between the BJP and Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. Against this backdrop, the presence or absence of prominent leaders at major public events can attract political attention.
The Dr Shrikant Shinde Foundation said the main aim of the programme was to promote patriotism and encourage public participation in the âHar Ghar Tiranga' campaign.
The foundation also said that respect for the national flag should remain above political considerations.
The foundation said the recognition by World Records India and the India Book of Records was a significant achievement for Dombivli and the Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency.
The organisers described the massive Tricolour and the participation of thousands of citizens as a major part of this year's Independence Day celebrations.
