Patriotic fervour, gaiety mark I-Day in Karnataka

Karnataka Thursday celebrated the 67th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and gaiety by unfurling the Indian flag and rendering the national anthem across the state.

In Bangalore, under a cloudy sky and breezy weather, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hoisted the tricolour and reviewed a guard of honour from an open jeep at the Field Marshal Manekshaw parade ground.

Even as Siddaramaiah took the salute and martial music rent the air, a military chopper showered rose petals from a low altitude over the flower-decked dais, drawing cheers from about 10,000 people thronging the venue to witness the colourful event.

After the chief minister's customary I-Day speech, about 2,000 personnel from the military, state police, Home Guards, fire brigade, scouts and guides and 3,000 students from various schools in the city marched past.

Patriotic songs, cultural shows and martial arts lasted for over two hours.

Daring feats and acrobatics on motorcycles by the military and state police teams kept the crowds spellbound.

Later, the chief minister presented I-Day medals and awards to police officers and distributed prizes to the participating organisations.

Heightened security and strict vigil turned the venue into a fortress.

According to reports from other parts of the state, the independence day was celebrated peacefully.