Bengaluru: Citizens will get a rare chance to step inside Vidhana Soudha this Independence Day as Karnataka govt launches Freedom Habba, a public carnival set to transform the seat of the legislature into a day-long celebration of freedom, culture and democracy.The event on Aug 15 will feature guided tours of the assembly, cultural parades, live music and folk performances, street plays depicting the freedom struggle, children’s activity zones, handicraft and food stalls, a Constitution square and fireworks finale.Announcing the initiative Wednesday, Bengaluru development minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the celebrations will be held from 11am to 10pm after the official Independence Day function at Manekshaw Parade Ground.While entry will be free, visitors will have to register online and produce a QR code to gain entry. Byre Gowda said details of registration portal will be announced shortly.Saying that Independence Day has largely become just another public holiday or long weekend for many, the minister said the nation deserves a people’s celebration similar to other festivals. “Govt will facilitate the celebration, but it will belong to the people,” he said, adding that Bengaluru’s cosmopolitan character makes it the ideal city to showcase India’s unity in diversity.A key focus of the event will be children, with activities including freedom-themed games, face painting and a walking quiz, where volunteers dressed as freedom fighters will interact with kids and test their knowledge of the freedom movement.The celebrations will include a “people’s parade”, featuring around 30 contingents representing different states, regions and communities living in Bengaluru. The parade will be led by groups including pourakarmikas, ASHA workers, farmers, scientists and members of LGBTQ community, followed by cultural performances showcasing India’s diversity.A concert featuring artists such as MD Pallavi, Raghu Dixit, Nakul Abhyankar, Praveen Godkhindi and others will begin at 6pm on the steps of Vidhana Soudha, followed by a fireworks display at 9.30pm.
