Lucknow's Republic Day parade rehearsals are in full swing. For today, January 24, a full-dress rehearsal featuring school children, brass bands and parade contingents was conducted on the Vidhan Sabha to Hazratganj stretch, continuing until 11:30 am.

The spectacle included ATS personnel armed with weapons, a leading army cannon and students dancing to patriotic songs. In light of the rehearsals, traffic movement on key routes was halted for over 30 minutes, causing some inconvenience to commuters.

Vehicle movement was restricted near Bal Vidya Mandir in front of Charbagh Railway Station. The Vidhan Sabha road remained completely closed, while traffic near the Hazratganj intersection was redirected toward Mayfair and Parivartan Chowk intersections.

Alongwith the fervour of Republic Day, the Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day event has also commenced today, at Awadh Shilpgram. This program, featuring cultural performances and exhibits, will continue until January 26.

The theme for this year is 'Development and Heritage: Uttar Pradesh on the Path of Progress.' Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including exhibitions, cultural programs, competitions and roadshows that highlight the state's rich heritage and developmental milestones.

Other key attractions include displays on the Indian Constitution, regional crafts under the 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) initiative and food courts offering diverse culinary delights from across Uttar Pradesh.