Mumbai, Aug 15 (IANS): Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan unfurled the national flag here as Maharashtra Friday celebrated the 68th Independence Day.

The main state function was held in Pune, where Governor K. Sankaranarayanan unfurled the national flag and took the salute.

The governor, however, cancelled the traditional reception at Raj Bhavan as a mark of respect to 152 people killed in the state's worst landslide in Pune last month.

Chavan unfurled the national flag at a function near Mantralaya - the administrative headquarters of the state government.

Flag hoisting ceremonies, with participation of a large number of people, were organised in all district collectorates, government and private offices, colleges, schools and other organisations across the state.

Various political parties, including the Congress, the Nationalist Congress Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Shiv Sena, organised special functions at their headquarters.