The drizzle and downpour failed to dampen the spirit of the denizens who took the streets to express their joy and celebrate Independence Day. The celebrations were not limited to any age group or class of citizens.
A group of pizza delivery boys on their delivery motorcycles rode around the town in a group waving flags at passersby.
Beach Road was the venue of the most expressive display of the celebrations by the people. At one end of the road was a temporary stall of a private bank greeting citizens on the occasion and trying to sell some of their products. A mobile phone operator launched his new ‘free’ service and put out a banner at a temporary promotional tent.
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Groups of citizens organised impromptu celebrations on the roadside. Many of the walkers either pinned the tricolour onto their clothes or carried one. A mini lorry carried a tableau of people dressed as Mahatma Gandhi, Bharat mata and others and went around with speakers blaring patriotic songs.
Beach Road also saw two groups of horse riders take out a parade carrying the national flag. One group comprised members of the Visakhapatnam Horse Riders Association riding on Kathiawaris and thoroughbreds. The other group was riding thoroughbreds of the Bayfront Horse Club.
As the day progressed the clouds passed over the city and let the people come out. Making most of the occasion youth ripped on their motorcycles on Beach Road, carrying the tricolour. Then there was a rally comprising security guards, motorcycles and test cars belonging to a group of dealerships. There were also youth celebrating the holiday with an early morning football on the beach.
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By evening the holidayers started trickling in and Beach Road was choc-a-bloc with citizens out to make the most of the mid-week holiday.