Bengaluru, Jan 26 (IANS) Karnataka on Saturday celebrated the 70th Republic Day with pomp and pageantry marking the patriotic fervour across the state.
In the state capital, Governor Vajubhai Vala unfurled the tricolour at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw parade ground in the city centre.
An Army helicopter showered rose petals, welcoming the dignitaries and the public at the venue before the Governor hoisted the national flag.
About 5,000 people, including women and children, flocked to the ground to celebrate the event and witness the colourful march past and cultural programmes, including songs and dances on patriotic themes.
After the military band rendered the National Anthem on a chilly morning under a partly cloudy sky, Vala inspected the guard of honour by the men and women of the three services and the state police.
About 20 contingents of the Army, Navy and Air Force, the state and central police forces, National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides participated in the parade and received the salute from the Governor.
The contingents were led by parade commander Major Prashanth Thapa and the second-in-command, Major Amit Choudhary.
The state's anthem, penned by Padma Vibhushan poet Kuvempu, was also played in Kannada.
Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, cabinet ministers, legislators, officials and city Mayor Gangambike Mallikarjun attended the event.
In a 20-minute Republic Day address in Hindi, the Governor highlighted the vision and achievements of the southern state over the past four years since he assumed office in 2014.
"Four years ago, when I delivered my first Republic Day address from the very same dais, I expressed hope that Karnataka would overcome many challenges and be on the path of progress," said Vala.
After the military and police bands played patriotic songs, the audience was treated to an hour-long cultural programme.
About 2,000 boys and girls from state-run schools and junior colleges in the city enacted patriotic and cultural shows, including one on the 1999 Kargil War (Kargil katha) and "Our India and Bright India" (Namma Bharatha, Bhavya Bharatha).
Dog squads of the military and state police were the star attraction, drawing huge applause from the audience.
The R-Day fete also included the sport of tent-pegging, a cavalry game involving edged weapons. Hundreds of enthusiastic members of the audience cheered as trained personnel rode the horses in the ground.
Mule trick riding and room intervention display by para troops of the Indian Army personnel enthralled the viewers.
Songs celebrating the state's farmers (raitha geethe) were sung during the event.
The Governor later presented the "Sarvotham Seva" awards to few state government employees for their dedication and service.
Through his Republic Day message to the state earlier, the Chief Minister said everyone must work to strengthen the democracy.
"Karnataka is the proud state where the concept of democracy was introduced during pre-Independence era itself by Mysore Wodeyars (erstwhile rulers of Mysore). Let us understand, respect and strengthen the value of democracy," Kumaraswamy had said.
According to reports from districts across the state, the day was celebrated with gaiety and patriotic fervour after the chief guests hoisted the national flag and impressive parades were held.
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