The majestic Rajpath saw a scintillating display of India's military might and resplendent cultural diversity as the country celebrated its 68th Republic Day today, with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attending the event as guest of honour.
Light rain and overcast skies failed to dampen the enthusiasm of thousands of spectators who watched the nearly an hour-and-half-long parade along the imposing Rajpath, India's ceremonial boulevard.
A major highlight of the parade was 149-member marching contingent from UAE comprising personnel from Presidential Guards, the Air Force, the Navy and Army, led by a band comprising 35 musicians from the Gulf country with which India's defence and security ties are on an upswing.
In a first, the 'black cat' commandos of the elite counter-terror force National Security Guard (NSG) participated in the parade which drew loud cheers from the spectators.
A number of weapons systems and aircraft including the Tejas light combat jets and the Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) developed by DRDO were on display, showcasing India's military prowess.
Al Nahyan, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces, was seated next to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wore a pink coloured 'safa' (turban). The two leaders were seen sharing some light moments.
The Indian Army's missile firing T-90 'Bhishma' tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Weapon Locating Radar 'Swathi' and Akash Weapons System, and Dhanush artillery guns were among the main draw in the mechanised columns.
President Pranab Mukherjee took the salute of marching contingents.
Alongside the Crown Prince, the ceremonial parade was watched by Vice President Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and the country's top political and military brass, besides the diplomatic community.
Tableaux from 17 states and Union Territories and six central ministries and departments showcased the varied historical, artistic and cultural heritage of the country.
Interestingly, Goods and Services Tax (GST) was the the theme of the tableau of Central Board of Excise and Customs.
21 of the 25 children who won the National Bravery Award also participated in the parade. Four children have received the award posthumously.
The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force which displayed various formations like 'Chakra' and 'Vic' leaving spectators spell-bound.
The 'Hercules' formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft also drew loud cheers.
A massive ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the national capital turning the city into a virtually impregnable fortress. Snipers of the National Security Guard were deployed atop all high-rises along the parade route.
(With agency inputs)
1. The Colours of India
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Children fill in the tri-colour of the Indian flag onto a rangoli design in the shape of the map of India
Image courtesy: AFP
2. Republic Day Parade
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Indian cadets march during a parade to mark Republic Day in Chennai
Image courtesy: AFP
3. March On
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An Indian school band performs during a Republic Day parade held at the Manek Shaw Parade Grounds in Bengaluru.
Image courtesy: AFP
4. Children perform with the national flag
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Indian school children run with national flags as they perform during Republic Day celebrations in Bengaluru.
Image courtesy: AFP
5. Girls pose on the ocassion of Republic Day
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Indian artists from the northern state of Punjab perform during the 68th Republic Day parade in New Delhi
Image courtesy: AFP
6. Swordfighting Shows
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Indian school students displays ''kalaripayittu'', an ancient martial art, during a parade to mark Republic Day in Chennai
Image courtesy: AFP
7. Republic Day celebrations
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Indian artists perform as they take part in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi
Image courtesy: Reuters
8. Republic Day celebrations in Bangalore
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Students performing during the 68th Republic Day celebration at Manek Shaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Thursday
Image courtesy: PTI
9. Republic Day celebrations
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Indian school children perform in the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath
Image courtesy: AFP
10. Narendra Modi, Sheikh Zayed and Pranab Mukherji
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President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi look on as General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi takes a photo during the 68th Republic Day celebrations
Image courtesy: PTI
11. Republic Day parade
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Military police daredevils team ''Shwet Ashwa'' displays stunts on motorcycles at Rajpath
Image courtesy: PTI
12. The cavalry arrives
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BSF camel mount contingent takes part in the 68th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Thursday.
Image courtesy: PTI
13. Republic Day Performances
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A contingent marching past at the Rajpath during the 68th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi
Image courtesy: PTI
14. Girls dance as part of Republic Day celebrations, Delhi
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Indian school children perform during the 68th Republic Day parade in New Delhi
Image courtesy: PTI
15. The Indian Flag
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Indian students walk past national flags during Republic Day celebrations in Hyderabad.
Image courtesy: PTI
16. Prince, President and Prime Minister
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President Pranab Mukherji flanked by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on either side at Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath, Delhi
Image courtesy: PTI
17. Dancing with Joy
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Cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) celebrate after being awarded the second place in a marching competition during the Republic Day parade in Chandigarh, India
Image courtesy: Reuters
18. CSIR Tableau
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Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) tableau at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath, New Delhi.
Image Courtesy: PTI
