Continuous burst of fire-crackers, songs highlighting the sacrifices made during the 60-year-old Telangana struggle and optimism.
These are the hallmarks of unabated celebrations in Hyderabad and 10 districts of Telangana, the 29th state which was born at the stroke of the midnight hour.
After a long midnight celebration, the new State eagerly waited for the swearing-in of its first Chief Minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrasekhar Rao.
The road from the Gun Park where Rao paid homage to martyrs early this morning, to the Raj Bhavan, where he took oath later was busy with people. Pink TRS flags dotted the road.
Same is the scene in different parts of the city. In Osmania University, the hub of Telangana movement, students burst fire crackers to mark the formation of the first State Government.
In the Arts College premises, Law College, Engineering College and others places, students were seen greeting and congratulating each other.
The State Secretariat too had been decked up for the occasion. Many welcome arches have been erected to welcome Rao, who would go to the Chief Minister’s office located in the C-Block later in the day. A podium has also been set up for Rao's address. There was a general air of festivity in all State Government offices.
According to reports reaching here all district collectors hoisted national flags to celebrate the State Formation Day.
The festivities are slated to continue for a week.