In a first, military bands began Independence Day celebrations
across the country, by performing for a fortnight ahead of country’s 74th Independence Day. These performances are being held to pay tributes
to the warriors who were at the front foot of the country’s war against
coronavirus.

As per PTI reports, the bands of the army, navy and police began the
celebrations on August 1, and have performed at several locations including Porbandar,
Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Raipur, Amritsar, Guwahati, Allahabad, Kolkata, Vishakhapatnam,
Nagpur, Gwalior, Srinagar and Kolkata.

“The performances are intended as gestures of gratitude and
appreciation of the nation towards the corona warriors who have been
steadfastly fighting to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the country even
at the risk of their lives,” the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

It is the
first time that the military bands are celebrating Independence Day by
displaying their performances across the country.

The tri-services band gave three performances in Delhi, one each at Red
Fort, Rajpath and the India Gate on August 8, 9 and 12 respectively.

“Military
and police bands also performed in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Shimla and Almora on
August 8; in Chennai, Nasirabad, ANC (Andaman & Nicobar Command) Flag
Point and Dandi on August 9 and in Imphal, Bhopal and Jhansi on
August 12,” the statement said.

The final
performances in the series will be held on August 13 in Lucknow, Faizabad, Shillong,
Madurai and Champaran.