The Republic Day was celebrated across Karnataka on Tuesday with patriotic fervour as Governor Vajubhai R. Vala hoisted the tricolour and received guard of honour at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in the city centre.Clad in a light grey suit, Vala went around the rectangular-shaped ground in an open jeep and reviewed the parade, waving at and greeting about 8,000 people who flocked to the venue on a sunny morning with winter chill in air.A military helicopter showered rose petals over the dais on the ground where Vala unfurled the national flag and took salute from military and police battalions and other contingents.After addressing the gathering in Hindi, Vala witnessed a colourful march past by about 20 contingents, including armed forces, state reserve police, Border Security Force, civil defence forces, home guards, fire brigade, Bharat Scouts and Guides, National Cadet Corps and their bands.
Boys and girls representing Congress Seva Dal and about 2,500 students from state-run and public schools and colleges from across the city also took part in the marchpast.Later, the students staged cultural programmes and sang patriotic and devoted songs, drawing applause and cheers from the audience.Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George, a host of VIPs, dignitaries and officials, including top police officers were present on the occasion.According to reports, the Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour peacefully in cities, towns and district headquarters across the state.