Independence Day celebrations grip the capital

New Delhi: Cultural activities, musical evenings, special menus - all this and much more is on the offer for people in the national capital to mark the 68th Independence Day.

The Delhi Tourism is hosting a three-day cultural festival "Jashn-e-Azaadi" at Dilli Haat in INA, Janakpuri and Pitampura. The festivities, concluding Aug 15, have a line-up of activities like music and dance events, live performances by a piano artist, and an army band and flag hoisting ceremony Aug 15 at 10.00 a.m. A dance-and-drama program based on the life and deeds of Lord Krishna will be presented till Aug 15 at Kamani Auditorium.

For food lovers, Drums Of Heaven in Green Park Extension offers special tri-colour Chinese and Thai dishes. Dishes like Mongolian Prawns on Crispy Vermicelli, Steamed Pearl Balls Vegetable Salt and Pepper In Taros Nest - all are concocted for Independence Day.

Family entertainment centre, Hangout, in south Delhi's plush mall in Saket is celebrating the spirit of Independence with a special tri-colour menu for kids, offering tri-colour sandwiches and pizzas.

Even the sky-touching Delhi Development Authority building at Vikas Marg in central Delhi is decorated with lights that resemble the colours of national flag. Similarly, East Delhi Municipal Corporation has started a tree-plantation drive at Central Park, Lal Quarter and Krishna Nagar to celebrate the Independence Day and make Delhi "clean and green".

"Surroundings play an important role during the growing years of children. These affect their physical and mental fitness," said Kalpana Devi Jain, area councillor, in a statement.