Bhavnagar (Gujarat), Jan 26 (IANS) The 63rd Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Gujarat Thursday morning.

Gujarat Governor Kamla Beniwal and Chief Minister Narendra Modi led the main celebrations in the coastal town of Bhavnagar.

Besides hoisting the national flag, the ceremonial programme included a colourful display of tableaux from various parts of the state.

Acrobatics by teams of the state police and folk songs and dances by students were also included.

After the programme, the chief minister was mobbed by the participants. Modi, donning a pair of sunglasses and a colourful turban, obliged them by posing for group photographs.

On his arrival in Bhavnagar Wednesday, Modi announced a Rs.1,900 crore package for Bhavnagar’s development.

Modi also laid the foundation stone for a ferry service between the port of Ghogha near Bhavnagar and Dahej near Bharuch. The project aims to facilitate speedy passenger travel and smooth cargo movement through the sea route between Ghogha and Dahej.

Modi also flagged off an anti-malnutrition rally in which over 30,000 persons reportedly took part.

The chief minister also announced the renaming of Bhavnagar University as ‘Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji University’.