Bengaluru, Jun 18 (IANS): Emphasising the importance of wearing a mask amid Covid-19 pandemic, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, ministers, celebrities and a host of officials observed 'Mask Day' here on Thursday.

"The role of masks is crucial in preventing the spread of Covid infection. Let's protect from corona by wearing a mask," said Yediyurappa.

The chief minister, with his cabinet colleagues and several other eminent personalities, took out a rally outside the Vidhan Soudha to emphasise how important it is to wear mask to prevent coronavirus spread.

'Mask up Humanity', 'Be kind, mask and bind' and 'Hero + mask super hero', 'Hero - (minus) mask zero' were some of the messages on the placards carried by the rally participants. Placards were both in English and Kannada.

Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwathnarayan, Indian cricket team's former leg spinner Anil Kumble, Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar and Kannada movie star Puneeth Rajkumar participated in the mask rally.

Other participants included Tourism Minister C.T. Ravi, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Suresh Kumar, Bengaluru South Member of Parliament Tejasvi Surya, Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao, Civic body Commissioner B.H. Anil Kumar and others, all masked up.

At the event Yediyurappa distributed face covers to senior officials.

Commemorating the mask day, the police department deputed its band to play music and also some more to march for the event.

Wearing a mask is mandatory in Karnataka. The government is also penalizing violators.