Bengaluru, 5 August

Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Wednesday announced 'Freedom Habba', a citizen-led Independence Day festival to celebrate Bengaluru's cultural diversity after the official state function on 15 August. 

The celebrations around Vidhana Soudha will feature cultural performances, a people's parade, regional cuisine, handicrafts, music, children's activities and guided tours of the legislature building. 

Held under the theme 'Namma Ooru. Nimma Ooru. Nammellara Bengaluru', the event will bring together communities from Karnataka and across India. Attractions include an India Parade with nearly 40 contingents, a Living Museum on the freedom movement, district-themed pavilions, Constitution Square, children's learning zones, a Freedom Wall, Soul Sante stalls, food festivals, an evening music concert and fireworks. 

The programme will run from 11 am to 10 pm after the state function. Gowda said the initiative aims to make Independence Day a festival created by citizens rather than merely observed. 

He urged citizens to participate actively and said details of registrations through a dedicated website and helpline would be announced within 48 hours.