Pageantry, national spirit mark R-Day fete in Karnataka

BANGALORE - Pomp, pageantry and national spirit marked the 62nd Republic Day celebrations Wednesday in Karnataka as Governor H.R. Bhardwaj hoisted the tricolour and inspected the guard of honour at a ceremonial parade here.

Amid tight security on a sunny day with cool breeze wafting over Field Marshal Manekshaw parade ground, the governor unfurled the national flag while thousands of rose petals were showered from a chopper flying overhead that had the crowd cheering and applauding the colourful feat.

Clad in a bandgala white suit and sporting a rose in the pocket, Bhardwaj received the salute and inspected the guard of honour by going around the parade ground in an open jeep, with national and state anthems and patriotic songs reverberating across the stadium.

Contingents of army, navy and air force participated in the impressive march past followed by battalions of the Border Security Force (BSF), Karnataka State Reserve Police, National Cadet Corps and boys and girls from Bharat Scouts & Guides.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, opposition leader from the Congress Siddaramiah, a few cabinet colleagues and top officials were present on the occasion.

The growing stand-off between the governor and the chief minister over land scams and corruption charges faced by the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state, however, did not dampen the spirit as both the leaders greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries.

The two-hour long function concluded on a peaceful note with about 1,000 boys and girls from city schools showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage through folk dances and college students re-enacting historical battles waged by its rulers like Tipu Sultan, Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna against the British rulers.

According to reports from across the state, the R-Day was celebrated at the respective district headquarters with flag-hoisting, ceremonial parades and cultural programmes conducted peacefully.