New Delhi, Aug 15 (IANS) Heavy downpour and strict security measures left the roads across the national capital deserted with people mostly prefering to stay indoors enjoying an extended weekend.

Shops in most parts of the capital were closed and street vendors were conspicuous by their absence. Police had seen to it that most of them did not do their business.

"It was surprising to see the roads so empty. I reached my office at Gurgaon in record time. This only happens during public holidays," said 25-year-old Amitabh Chauhan, a call center employee.

People in various areas and societies celebrated Independence Day by hosting national flags and organising cultural programmes.

At some places, those who had taken out their vehicles faced barricades put up by police. People were also asked to avoid Red Fort and adjacent roads because of the main I-Day function there.

"There must have been inconvenience to people as well because of rains and arrangements. I am sure we must have taken all this in our stride for the big occasion we have as a nation," Joint Commissioner of Police Satyendra Garg wrote on a social networking site.