Telangana, the youngest state of India, on Monday celebrated the 70th Independence Day with gaiety and patriotic fervour.
Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao hoisted the national flag at a colourful ceremony at the historic Golconda Fort here.
Before unfurling the tricolour, Rao was presented a guard of honour by a police contingent. The number of policemen and students participating in the parade was limited due to lack of space.
After paying tributes to martyrs at a memorial at Parade Ground in Secunderabad, Rao drove to Golconda fort for the main event.
This is the third year in a row that the main official function was held at the fort. As in the previous two years, there was no demonstration by tableaux due to space constraint.
The fort wore a festive look as the celebrations highlighted the rich culture of the state. Drummers, tribal and other artists performed on the ramparts to add colour to the festivities.
KCR, as Rao is popularly known, addressed the gathering, highlighting the achievements of his government during last two years.
KCR’s cabinet colleagues, Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma, Director General of Police Anurag Sharma and other top civil, police and military officials attended the ceremony.
After formation of the state in 2014, KCR had departed from the over five-decade-old tradition of Independence Day celebrations at the Parade Ground to choose the ancient fort as the venue to showcase the rich legacy of Telangana.
The Independence Day celebrations were also held at the state assembly, Hyderabad High Court and offices of all political parties.
Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader and Home Minister N. Narasimha Reddy unfurled the national flag at Telangana Bhavan, the headquarters of the ruling party.
Patriotic fervour marked the celebrations at the government offices and educational institutions.
The Independence Day was also celebrated with gaiety in the nine other districts of Telangana. State ministers unfurled the national flag at official functions held in district headquarters.
