Pageantry marks Republic Day in Karnataka

Pomp and pageantry marked the 66th Republic Day celebrations across Karnataka Monday, with state Governor Vajubhai Vala unfurling the tricolour and watching the impressive parade here amid tight security.

This is Vala's first Republic Day event in the state as he assumed office Sep 1, 2014.

On a bright sunny day, an air force helicopter showered rose petals on the podium at the Field Marshal Manekshaw parade ground in the city centre, where state Chief Minister Siddarmaiah, dignitaries and officials were also present on the occasion.

After unfurling the national flag and singing the national anthem, Vala watched the parade of the armed forces and other contingents, including platoons of the state police, National Cadets Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts & Guides (BS&G) and hundreds of school children, with military and police bands also in attendance.

About 8,000 people, including children, assembled at the venue to celebrate the occasion, and cheered the services personnel and other participants for their impeccable parade.

Following the governor's brief address, contingents of the military, police platoons, battalions of security agencies, NCC, BS&G and about 3,000 boys and girls from schools across the city and district staged a march past around the ground and saluted the governor.

People on the ground and thousands of viewers watching the colourful proceedings live on local news channels were treated to a cultural programme consisting of the performances of the children and the adventurous feats of the contingents.

The crowds were in rapt attention when the national anthem was played followed by the rendering of the state anthem (nada geethe) and raithe geethe (song of farmers).

Theme-based events, comprising music, songs and dances, were also performed as a tribute to martyrs, the armed forces, farmers, artisans and rural folk.

The highlight of the two-hour long event was the daring feats (mallakamba) of the Belgaum-based Maratha Light Infantry Regiment on pole vault that excited the crowds and drew applause.

Elaborate arrangements were made to ensure peace and maintain law and order. About 2,500 police personnel were deployed in and around the ground to provide full-proof security and prevent any untoward incident.

The Republic Day fete was celebrated at respective district headquarters across the state.