By IANS,
Bhubaneswar : Thousands of people converged at the Independence Day celebrations in Orissa Sunday despite the threat of swine flu, which has killed eight people in the state since July this year.
Large numbers of people, including women and children, witnessed the state level parade at Bhubaneswar. Some were seen wearing masks.
Children and students in large numbers joined the celebrations in their schools and educational institutions across the state even as the government Friday asked the authorities to avoid such assemblies.
Swine flu has infected 35 people, with eight more cases testing positive for H1N1 Saturday.