BSF celebrates 50th year of formation, at Lalbagh

The Border Security Force organised weapon display (left) and a band performance as part of its golden jubilee celebrations at Lalbagh in Bengaluru on Sunday.— Photos: Sudhakara Jain

Morning walkers and military enthusiasts were treated to a display of weapons and brass band music at the 120-year-old Lalbagh Bandstand on Sunday.

The performances were a part of the 50th year celebrations of the Border Security Force (BSF). While last week, the band from the border force enthralled visitors at the historic Cubbon Park Bandstand, this Sunday was the turn of the popular Lalbagh. A multitude of automatic, semi-automatic weapons and military gear were kept on display.

Apart from this, many grabbed a spot and recorded the band — who came decked in the famed colourful headdress of the BSF — play for an hour. Constructed in 1888, military bands became a mainstay at the bandstand during the time of the British Raj.

However, after independence, melody returned to the Lalbagh Bandstand only in 2011 with the performance by the Air Force Band.

Horticulture officials, who have been enthused by the response to the weekly concerts at Cubbon Park, hope to introduce light and Carnatic music in Lalbagh every Sunday.