An early morning zeal for celebrations

For many people in the City, Sunday started as early as 7 am.

Dressed in ethnic attires, citizens were seen wishing each other Happy Republic Day. The tricolour raised high in many parts of Bangalore. The Lokayukta office celebrated the day for the first time, with Justice Y Bhaskar Rao hoisting the national flag.

Not only government organisations and political parties celebrated the day, even apartment complexes held functions, hoisting the tricolour and singing the national anthem.

Motorcyclists and autorickshaw drivers carried the tricolour on their vehicles. Several who had painted their faces with the tricolour, were seen on streets.

A huge crowd thronged the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain and the National Military Memorial for a glimpse of the tricolour mounted on a 207-foot tall monumental flag pole. Large crowds also gathered at the Lalbagh for the flower show which concluded on Sunday.

Defence organisations too hoisted the national flag on their premises. In the High Court, Chief Justice D H Waghela hoisted the flag.

Schools had called some children for the flag-hoisting ceremony. “Walk for Suraj” (Walk for Good Governance) from Lalbagh West Gate to Bugle Rock, drew many. Corporate houses took part in large numbers in the Treadathon at the Phoenix Market City in Whitefield.