Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala on Friday unfurled the Tricolour to mark the 69th Republic Day at the Sam Manekshaw parade ground here amid tight security.About 10,000 people, including women and children thronged the venue in the city centre to celebrate the event and witness the impressive march past.Before addressing the gathering in Hindi, Vala went around the sprawling ground in an open jeep for the guard of honour and received salute from the armed forces from the dais.A hovering military helicopter showered rose petals from over the venue on the occasion to greet the Governor, dignitaries, invitees and the public.Besides contingents of the three services -- Army, Navy and Air Forces, state and central reserved police forces, National Cadent Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides boys and girls participated in the event.State Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, cabinet ministers, lawmakers, city Mayor Sampath Raj and many officials of the state were present on the occasion.
After the music bands of the services and the state police forces played patriotic songs, the audience was treated to an hour-long cultural programme and sporting activities.