West Bengal today joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the Independence Day with variety of programmes. The main programme was held at Barrack Pur, Gandhi Ghat where the Governor Mr. M. K. Naraynan offered floral tribute at the Martyrs column. The Chief Minister Mr. Budhdhadeb Bhattacharyjee hoisted the national tri colour in front of the State Secretariat in the morning to mark the day. Other programmes of the day include all faith prayer meeting, exhibition, seminar and reception of freedom fighter. The state is also observing the birth day of Rishi Aurobindo today.In Andaman and Nicobar islands, the Independence Day is being celebrated across the islands with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. In the tribal islands including the southernmost tip, Campbell bay and Car Nicobar colourful cultural programmes, tribal folk dances, boat races, rural sports and children's rallies mark the celebration. Despite widespread rains a large number of tribal people including captains and chief captains of various tribal councils enthusiastically participated in the programmes. Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has appealed to militant organisations to lay down arms and join the mainstream by participating in the development programmes. Speaking on the occasion of the 64th Independence Day at the first Manipur Rifles parade ground amid tight security in view of the boycott called by insurgent organisations, Singh said violence will not provide any solution and asked militants to come to the negotiation table for discussing their problems. In Puducherry Chief Minister Mr. V. Vaithilingam called upon people to work unitedly to fulfill the ultimate dream of our forefathers of achieving social and economic freedom for every citizen and build an egalitarian society. Unfurling the National flag at a colourful function held at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex in Puducherry on the occasion of the 64th Independence Day, the chief Minister asked the people to co-operate the Government in maintaing peace and harmony which are very essential for the development and welfare of the society.