Jhansi: The city paid rich tributes to Virangana Maharani Laxmibai on her 168th martyrdom anniversary on Thursday, with a series of cultural, commemorative and patriotic events held across Jhansi.
Commemorative Events Begin with Play
The commemorative events began a day earlier with the staging of the play “Bai Saa” at Pandit Deendayal Sabhagar. The play depicted the life and struggles of Maharani Laxmibai. Actor Sanjay Tiwari, who portrayed Raja Gangadhar Rao, said, “I feel blessed whenever I play this character.”
Torchlight Procession and Floral Tributes
Later in the evening, students and coaches of the Armature Mallakhamb Association organized a torchlight procession from Rani Laxmibai Park to Elite Crossing and back. In the morning, citizens gathered at various statues of Maharani Laxmibai across the city to offer floral tributes.
Mallakhamb Pyramid Performance
One of the major attractions was a breathtaking Mallakhamb pyramid performance by girls dressed in the attire of Rani Laxmibai at the Rani Laxmibai Park.
Main Commemorative Programme
By evening, thousands of people, along with members of numerous social organizations, had assembled at the park for the main commemorative programme. A highlight of the event was the arrival of a torch-bearing group led by retired jailor Vijay Maurya, who completed a 100-kilometre foot march from Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh.
Maurya, accompanied by his wife and members of his ‘Akhara’, including students, began the journey from the memorial of Tatya Tope in Shivpuri on Wednesday and reached Jhansi on Thursday afternoon. The group received a warm welcome upon arrival.
