Bengaluru, Aug 15 (IANS): The 69th Independence Day celebrations began on Saturday in Karnataka on a patriotic note with the spirit of freedom and fervour gripping the state.

In state capital Bengaluru, the grand event unfolded at Manekshaw parade ground in the city centre, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hoisted the tri-colour and sang the national anthem along with about 10,000 people who gathered for the occasion amid tight security.

An army helicopter hovered over the sprawling parade ground showering rose petals around the podium, cheering the crowds and evoking applause.

Standing on an open jeep, the chief minister drove around the ground for guard of honour and received salute from contingents of the three services (army, navy and air force), state police, home guards and fire forces.

According to reports from across the state, the national flag was unfurled in the district headquarters by the state cabinet ministers and deputy commissioners and in schools and colleges across the state.