In a departure from tradition on Independence day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hoisted the tricolour at the Indira Gandhi Sarani instead of the usual venue near Writers Buildings.
Besides the flag-hoisting at Indira Gandhi Sarani, earlier known as Red Road where the Republic Day celebrations are held every year, Banerjee took the salute at a ceremonial parade, which was also held for the first time. Contingents of the of the Kolkata and state police, the Rapid Action Force, Eastern Frontier Rifles, CISF, Mounted Police, Fire Brigade and personnel of security agencies took part in the march past. Independence Day celebrations have been held at a venue near Writers Buildings since 1948.
40-odd tableaux representing various state government departments, including micro and small-scale industries, stole the show. Hundreds of school children also took part in the marchpast. Members of the cabinet, consular corps, defence personnel and senior state and central government officials were present at the function. Earlier, Panchayat Minister Subrata Mukherjee had said that people's participation was almost nil during Independence Day celebrations, but with the change in venue people would be able to take part as on Republic Day. Elaborate security arrangements were made at the Indira Gandhi Sarani with intelligence personnel of the Kolkata police keeping tight vigil.