R-Day in Himachal despite bone-biting cold

Braving bone-biting cold, people Sunday celebrated Republic Day across Himachal Pradesh.

Governor Urmila Singh unfurled the national flag at the main function at the historic Ridge here.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, his cabinet colleagues, legislators and government officials were present at the function.

The governor took the salute at a parade by contingents of the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, police, Home Guards, the National Cadet Corps, ex-servicemen, scouts and NSS.

Donning white dress with a stripped band on waist, a 13-member band contingent of reformed prisoners from the Model Central Jail in Kanda near Shimla and the Central Jail in Nahan was the main attraction.

Despite the chill, people took part in flag hoisting ceremonies and witnessed march past by security personnel and cultural programmes staged by children across the state.

In snow-marooned Keylong, headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti, Deputy Commissioner Bir Singh Thakur presided over the official function.