Hyderabad, Aug 15 (IANS): In a departure from the over five-decades-old tradition of Independence Day celebrations at Parade Grounds, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao Friday hoisted the national flag at the historic Golconda Fort.

In a move aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Telangana, the chief minister choose the fort for the first Independence Day celebrations after formation of Telangana as a separate state.

After paying tributes to martyrs at a memorial at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, Rao drove to Golconda and hoisted the tricolor at the colourful ceremony with the majestic fort in the backdrop.

The chief minister unfurled the national flag on a 62 feet tall pole from a makeshift platform close to the iconic Taramati mosque at 9.30 a.m. amid playing of national anthem.

Before unfurling the tricolor, Rao was presented the guard of honour and he inspected a couple of contingents of police. After hoisting the flag, he later addressed the gathering. Due to lack of space in the ruined fort, the traditional parade and demonstration by tableaux were omitted.

The ruined fort on the fringes of the city was the capital of Qutub Shahi kingdom from 1518 to 1687. The fort was built by Kaktiyas of Warangal during 10th century as a mud fort and was fortified by Qutub Shahis.