In Pictures: Republic Day 2017 celebrations showcase India's military might and cultural diversity

Children fill in the tri-colour of the Indian flag onto a rangoli design in the shape of the map of India 

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Indian cadets march during a parade to mark Republic Day in Chennai 

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An Indian school band performs during a Republic Day parade held at the Manek Shaw Parade Grounds in Bengaluru.

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Indian school children run with national flags as they perform during Republic Day celebrations in Bengaluru.

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Indian artists from the northern state of Punjab perform during the 68th Republic Day parade in New Delhi

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Indian school students displays ''kalaripayittu'', an ancient martial art, during a parade to mark Republic Day in Chennai

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Indian artists perform as they take part in the Republic Day parade in New Delhi

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Students performing during the 68th Republic Day celebration at Manek Shaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Thursday

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Indian school children perform in the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath

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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 

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Military police daredevils team ''Shwet Ashwa'' displays stunts on motorcycles at Rajpath

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BSF camel mount contingent takes part in the 68th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Thursday.

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A contingent marching past at the Rajpath during the 68th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi

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Indian school children perform during the 68th Republic Day parade in New Delhi

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Indian students walk past national flags during Republic Day celebrations in Hyderabad.

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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

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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 

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Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) tableau at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath, New Delhi.

Image Courtesy: PTI