Surat: Surat will host the state-level celebration of Gujarat Foundation Day as Gujarat Gaurav Diwas on Friday, with a line-up of grand events including a police parade, cultural performances and felicitation of distinguished individuals.The celebrations will begin at 5pm with a police parade from Y Junction near VR Mall to Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. Governor Acharya Devvrat, chief minister Bhupendra Patel, deputy chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and other dignitaries are expected to attend. The event will open with a ceremonial reception, followed by the national anthem and parade proceedings.The parade will feature a march past, ceremonial salutes, a cultural presentation by women participants and a motorcycle stunt show. Arrangements have been made for the public to witness the event.A grand cultural programme will be held at 8pm at Dumas Sea Face, themed “Glorious Gujarat: From Heritage to Development”. The 50-minute showcase will feature over 250 artists presenting the state’s cultural richness and Surat’s transformation through music, dance and dramatic storytelling, supported by light and sound effects.During the ceremony, Gujarat Garima Award winners and other prominent personalities from the district will be honoured. Two books on Surat’s development journey — Vikas Vatika and a coffee-table book — will also be released.Govt and heritage buildings across the city have been illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere ahead of the celebrations.
