The Bengal government has decided to scale down the celebrations this Independence Day because of the Covid-19 pandemic, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said at Nabanna on Thursday.

“Only (the national) flag will be hoisted and some Covid warriors will be felicitated, but by maintaining social distance,” she said. “Clubs can hoist the flag with four to five people...,” she said, urging people hoist flags at homes.

She emphasised that Independence Day was “the most important day in our lives”.

Sources in Nabanna said that since 2011, Independence Day celebrations were taken to new heights as the Trinamul-led state government shifted the venue of the programme to Red Road from Writers’ Buildings. Cultural events and tableaux focussing the achievements of the state government were included.

“But since the ministry of home affairs has issued a guideline to scale down Independence Day programmes this year, the state government would do the bare minimum,” said the official.