Republic Day 2020 Highlights: Spectacular Parade Concludes With Tricolour Balloons Over Rajpath
India is celebrating its 71st Republic Day today (January 26) marking it with grand celebrations in the national capital and all across the nation. Republic Day is celebrated to honour the historic date when the country completed its transition towards becoming an independent republic after its constitution came into effect.
ABP News Bureau
Last Updated:
26 Jan 2020 03:44 PM
Jammu and Kashmir: Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated Republic Day at Octroi border outpost (BOP) near the India-Pakistan international border in RS Pura sector.
Jammu and Kashmir: Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated Republic Day at Octroi border outpost (BOP) near the India-Pakistan international border in RS Pura sector.
West Bengal: Border Security Force (BSF) exchanged sweets with Border Guards Bangladesh at Fulbari India-Bangladesh border.
West Bengal: Border Security Force (BSF) exchanged sweets with Border Guards Bangladesh at Fulbari India-Bangladesh border.
On Republic Day, India gifts 30 ambulances, 6 buses to Nepal
New Delhi on Sunday gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organizations and educational institutions of Nepal on the occasion of India's 71st Republic Day.
Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu today. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Charge d' Affaires Ajay Kumar who then read out the message of President Ram Nath Kovind for the occasion.
The ambulance and buses were gifted to reaffirm India's commitment to partner with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development.
New Delhi on Sunday gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organizations and educational institutions of Nepal on the occasion of India's 71st Republic Day.
Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu today. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Charge d' Affaires Ajay Kumar who then read out the message of President Ram Nath Kovind for the occasion.
The ambulance and buses were gifted to reaffirm India's commitment to partner with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development.
On Republic Day, India gifts 30 ambulances, 6 buses to Nepal
New Delhi on Sunday gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organizations and educational institutions of Nepal on the occasion of India's 71st Republic Day.
Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu today. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Charge d' Affaires Ajay Kumar who then read out the message of President Ram Nath Kovind for the occasion.
The ambulance and buses were gifted to reaffirm India's commitment to partner with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development.
New Delhi on Sunday gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organizations and educational institutions of Nepal on the occasion of India's 71st Republic Day.
Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu today. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Charge d' Affaires Ajay Kumar who then read out the message of President Ram Nath Kovind for the occasion.
The ambulance and buses were gifted to reaffirm India's commitment to partner with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development.
On Republic Day, India gifts 30 ambulances, 6 buses to Nepal
New Delhi on Sunday gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organizations and educational institutions of Nepal on the occasion of India's 71st Republic Day.
Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu today. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Charge d' Affaires Ajay Kumar who then read out the message of President Ram Nath Kovind for the occasion.
The ambulance and buses were gifted to reaffirm India's commitment to partner with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development.
New Delhi on Sunday gifted 30 ambulances and six buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organizations and educational institutions of Nepal on the occasion of India's 71st Republic Day.
Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu today. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the Indian national flag by Charge d' Affaires Ajay Kumar who then read out the message of President Ram Nath Kovind for the occasion.
The ambulance and buses were gifted to reaffirm India's commitment to partner with Nepal in its journey towards socio-economic development.
The 71st Republic Day was celebrated in the union territory of Puducherry on Sunday with Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi unfurling the tricolour at the Uppalam Ground here and assuring that 'people-friendly' policies would be carried forward by the government.
In her address, Bedi said the law and order situation in the Union Territory remained 'well under control' due to efficient policing and 'swift measures' to control crime rate.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowds at Rajpath.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the crowds at Rajpath.
Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, leave as the Republic Day parade concludes
Heavylift helicopter Chinook and attack helicopter Apache, both recently inducted in the Indian Air Force, took part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time on Sunday.
The Chinooks can airlift diverse loads in remote locations. It is a heavy lift, twin rotor helicopter which has enhanced IAF's lift capability across a range of military and HADR missions.
The Apache, on the other hand, is a versatile helicopter capable of firing air to air and air to ground missiles, rockets and front gun aided through fire control radar which can unleash havoc on the adversary.
It has provided the Indian armed forces a significant edge against the enemy on the battlefield.
The Chinooks can airlift diverse loads in remote locations. It is a heavy lift, twin rotor helicopter which has enhanced IAF's lift capability across a range of military and HADR missions.
The Apache, on the other hand, is a versatile helicopter capable of firing air to air and air to ground missiles, rockets and front gun aided through fire control radar which can unleash havoc on the adversary.
It has provided the Indian armed forces a significant edge against the enemy on the battlefield.
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro on Sunday joined a select group of world leaders to have graced India's Republic Day celebrations in the past few decades.
Bolsonaro, as the chief guest at the 71st Republic Day celebrations, watched the colourful parade at the majestic Rajpath along with President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other leaders.
This is the third time that a Brazilian President was the chief guest at the Republic Day. The last time a Brazilian President was the chief guest was in 2004 when Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended the parade.
Bolsonaro, as the chief guest at the 71st Republic Day celebrations, watched the colourful parade at the majestic Rajpath along with President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other leaders.
This is the third time that a Brazilian President was the chief guest at the Republic Day. The last time a Brazilian President was the chief guest was in 2004 when Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended the parade.
The DRDO Anti-Satellite (A-SAT) Weapon System was on display at Rajpath in the Republic Day parade on Sunday.
With space becoming a vital dimension of any country's economic and military superiority, A-SAT (Anti-Satellite) weapons play a critical role in providing the necessary strategic deterrence.
In March last year, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) launched 'Mission Shakti', India's first A-SAT mission and demonstrated its anti-satellite technology.
With space becoming a vital dimension of any country's economic and military superiority, A-SAT (Anti-Satellite) weapons play a critical role in providing the necessary strategic deterrence.
In March last year, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) launched 'Mission Shakti', India's first A-SAT mission and demonstrated its anti-satellite technology.
Delhi: A lone Su-30MKI flies at a speed of 900 km/hr and splits the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is being
piloted by Wing Commander Yathartha Johri along with Flight Lieutenant S Mishra.
piloted by Wing Commander Yathartha Johri along with Flight Lieutenant S Mishra.
Delhi: A lone Su-30MKI flies at a speed of 900 km/hr and splits the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is being
piloted by Wing Commander Yathartha Johri along with Flight Lieutenant S Mishra.
piloted by Wing Commander Yathartha Johri along with Flight Lieutenant S Mishra.
Delhi: Su-30 MKIs of Indian Air Force execute the
'Trishul' manoeuvre. The formation is being led by Group
Captain Nishit Ohri. The captains of the other two aircraft are Wing Commander Nilesh Dixit and Wing Commander Karan Dogra.
'Trishul' manoeuvre. The formation is being led by Group
Captain Nishit Ohri. The captains of the other two aircraft are Wing Commander Nilesh Dixit and Wing Commander Karan Dogra.
Delhi: Su-30 MKIs of Indian Air Force execute the
'Trishul' manoeuvre. The formation is being led by Group
Captain Nishit Ohri. The captains of the other two aircraft are Wing Commander Nilesh Dixit and Wing Commander Karan Dogra.
'Trishul' manoeuvre. The formation is being led by Group
Captain Nishit Ohri. The captains of the other two aircraft are Wing Commander Nilesh Dixit and Wing Commander Karan Dogra.
Day celebrations: Mobile phone services snapped in Kashmir
Mobile phone services were snapped in Kashmir on Sunday as a precautionary measure for ensuring smooth passage of Republic Day celebrations in the valley, officials said.
While mobile internet services were suspended hours after their restoration on Saturday, mobile phone connectivity was suspended in the early hours of Sunday, they said.
Suspension of mobile phone and Internet services on Republic and Independence days has been part of the security drill in the valley since 2005 when militants used a mobile phone to trigger an IED blast near the venue of Independence day celebrations.
Meanwhile, stringent security arrangements are in place for ensuring that Republic Day celebrations pass off peacefully.
Mobile phone services were snapped in Kashmir on Sunday as a precautionary measure for ensuring smooth passage of Republic Day celebrations in the valley, officials said.
While mobile internet services were suspended hours after their restoration on Saturday, mobile phone connectivity was suspended in the early hours of Sunday, they said.
Suspension of mobile phone and Internet services on Republic and Independence days has been part of the security drill in the valley since 2005 when militants used a mobile phone to trigger an IED blast near the venue of Independence day celebrations.
Meanwhile, stringent security arrangements are in place for ensuring that Republic Day celebrations pass off peacefully.
Delhi: Telangana tableaux depicts Bathukamma, a floral festival of the state and tableaux of Assam depicts bamboo and cane crafts from the state.
Delhi: Telangana tableaux depicts Bathukamma, a floral festival of the state and tableaux of Assam depicts bamboo and cane crafts from the state.
Delhi: Tableaux of different states have begun at the Republic Day parade. Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro (pic 2) is the Chief Guest at the celebrations this year.
Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, senior BJP leader LK Advani, his daughter Pratibha Advani, BJP President JP Nadda, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and others witness the Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, senior BJP leader LK Advani, his daughter Pratibha Advani, BJP President JP Nadda, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and others witness the Republic Day parade at Rajpath.
Delhi: The Camel Contingent of Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh. BSF's motto is ‘Duty unto Death’; There are over 75 different dress items which are necessary to ceremonially dress the camels and riders of the Force
Delhi: The Camel Contingent of Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh. BSF's motto is ‘Duty unto Death’; There are over 75 different dress items which are necessary to ceremonially dress the camels and riders of the Force
Delhi: The Camel Contingent of Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh. BSF's motto is ‘Duty unto Death’; There are over 75 different dress items which are necessary to ceremonially dress the camels and riders of the Force
Delhi: The Indian Navy showcases its assets like Boeing P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft and the Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class submarine. The indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant under construction at the Cochin Shipyard.
Delhi: The Indian Navy showcases its assets like Boeing P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft and the Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class submarine. The indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant under construction at the Cochin Shipyard.
Delhi: The marching contingent of the Corps of Signals is led by Captain Tanya Shergil, a fourth generation Army Officer. The motto of the Corps is 'Teevra Chaukas'
Delhi: The marching contingent of the Corps of Signals is led by Captain Tanya Shergil, a fourth generation Army Officer. The motto of the Corps is 'Teevra Chaukas'
Delhi: Sikh Light Infantry Regiment is led by Major Anjum Gorka of 6th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry
Regiment. The motto of the Regiment is ‘Deg Teg Fateh’
and the war cry is ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal’.
Regiment. The motto of the Regiment is ‘Deg Teg Fateh’
and the war cry is ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal’.
Delhi: Sikh Light Infantry Regiment is led by Major Anjum Gorka of 6th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry
Regiment. The motto of the Regiment is ‘Deg Teg Fateh’
and the war cry is ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal’.
Regiment. The motto of the Regiment is ‘Deg Teg Fateh’
and the war cry is ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal’.
Delhi: Advanced Light Helicopters- Weapon System Integrated Rudra and 2 Advanced Light Helicopters, Dhruv of Army Aviation in ‘Diamond’
formation.
formation.
Delhi: Advanced Light Helicopters- Weapon System Integrated Rudra and 2 Advanced Light Helicopters, Dhruv of Army Aviation in ‘Diamond’
formation.
formation.
Delhi: The battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, is commanded by Captain Sunny Chahar of 86 Armoured Regiment, at the Rajpath.
Delhi: The battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, is commanded by Captain Sunny Chahar of 86 Armoured Regiment, at the Rajpath.
Delhi: The battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, is commanded by Captain Sunny Chahar of 86 Armoured Regiment, at the Rajpath.
President Ram Nath Kovind unfurled the National Flag and received the customary 21-gun salute on the 71st Republic Day at Rajpath on Sunday. The salute was presented by 2233 Field Battery under the command of Lieutenant Colonel C Sandeep. The gun position officer was Naib Subedar Anil Chand. The 21 Gun Salute is presented during the Republic Day, Independence Day and during visits of foreign heads of state. As per the tradition, the National Flag was unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-Gun Salute.
R Day celebrations underway in Delhi
Celebrations for the 71st Republic Day began on Sunday in the national capital with Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro in attendance as the chief guest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the three service chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat.
Later Modi, wearing traditional kurta-pajama and a jacket, reached Rajpath and greeted President Ram Nath Kovind and the chief guest. The prime minister sported a saffron turban on the occasion.
During the unfurling of the tricolour, the band played the national anthem with a 21-gun salute in the background.
Most ministers of the Modi government, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were present on the occasion along with former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Deve Gowda, and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Celebrations for the 71st Republic Day began on Sunday in the national capital with Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro in attendance as the chief guest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the three service chiefs and Chief of Defence Staff Bipin Rawat.
Later Modi, wearing traditional kurta-pajama and a jacket, reached Rajpath and greeted President Ram Nath Kovind and the chief guest. The prime minister sported a saffron turban on the occasion.
During the unfurling of the tricolour, the band played the national anthem with a 21-gun salute in the background.
Most ministers of the Modi government, including Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar were present on the occasion along with former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Deve Gowda, and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind accompanied by President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, arrive at Rajpath.
Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind accompanied by President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, arrive at Rajpath.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajpath where Republic Day parade will begin shortly.
Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, the chief guest for this year's Republic Day, to shortly arrive at Rajpath.
Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, the chief guest for this year's Republic Day, to shortly arrive at Rajpath.
Delhi: PM Modi leads the nation in paying tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, by laying a wreath at National War Memorial. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria present.
Delhi: PM Modi leads the nation in paying tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, by laying a wreath at National War Memorial. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria present.
Delhi: PM Modi leads the nation in paying tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, by laying a wreath at National War Memorial. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria present.
Delhi: PM Modi leads the nation in paying tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, by laying a wreath at National War Memorial. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria present.
Delhi: PM Modi arrives at the National War Memorial at India Gate. The PM is received by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the first ever Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria
Delhi: PM Modi arrives at the National War Memorial at India Gate. The PM is received by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the first ever Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria
The maiden President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad, at the first Republic Day Parade.
(Picture credits: PIB)
(Picture credits: PIB)
The maiden President of India Dr Rajendra Prasad, at the first Republic Day Parade.
(Picture credits: PIB)
(Picture credits: PIB)
A contingent of CRPF women bikers will make history by performing daredevil stunts. The contingent will be led by Inspector Seema Nag, who will be seen saluting while standing atop a moving motorcycle.
Delhi: Crowds in large numbers have arrived at Rajpath to witness the 71st Republic Day parade.
ASAT From Mission Shakti, ADTCR To Be On Display During Republic Day Parade
The Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile from Mission Shakti and Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR) will be on display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath on Sunday, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced.
In a major defence achievement, India had on March 27, last year, successfully tested an anti-satellite missile by shooting down its own decommissioned satellite that was on a 'Low Earth Orbit' at a height of 300-km from the Earth's surface.
The Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile from Mission Shakti and Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR) will be on display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath on Sunday, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced.
In a major defence achievement, India had on March 27, last year, successfully tested an anti-satellite missile by shooting down its own decommissioned satellite that was on a 'Low Earth Orbit' at a height of 300-km from the Earth's surface.
ASAT From Mission Shakti, ADTCR To Be On Display During Republic Day Parade
The Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile from Mission Shakti and Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR) will be on display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath on Sunday, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced.
In a major defence achievement, India had on March 27, last year, successfully tested an anti-satellite missile by shooting down its own decommissioned satellite that was on a 'Low Earth Orbit' at a height of 300-km from the Earth's surface.
The Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile from Mission Shakti and Air Defence Tactical Control Radar (ADTCR) will be on display during the 71st Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath on Sunday, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced.
In a major defence achievement, India had on March 27, last year, successfully tested an anti-satellite missile by shooting down its own decommissioned satellite that was on a 'Low Earth Orbit' at a height of 300-km from the Earth's surface.
Republic Day Celebrations: Capital Under Multi-Layered Security Cover
Rahul Gandhi wishes nation on 71st Republic Day
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also wished the nation on the 71st Republic Day. 'My best wishes to each & every Indian on this our Republic Day,' he tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also wished the nation on the 71st Republic Day. 'My best wishes to each & every Indian on this our Republic Day,' he tweeted.
Rahul Gandhi wishes nation on 71st Republic Day
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also wished the nation on the 71st Republic Day. 'My best wishes to each & every Indian on this our Republic Day,' he tweeted.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also wished the nation on the 71st Republic Day. 'My best wishes to each & every Indian on this our Republic Day,' he tweeted.
War Memorial tribute, presence of CDS two major firsts on Republic Day 2020
This year, for the first time, the prime minister will pay homage to martyrs at the National War Memorial instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Another big first: the participation of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, who assumed office on January 1, 2020.
This year, for the first time, the prime minister will pay homage to martyrs at the National War Memorial instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate. Another big first: the participation of Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Bipin Rawat, who assumed office on January 1, 2020.
Watch | ITBP personnel celebrating Republic Day at 17,000 feet in snow
Watch | ITBP personnel celebrating Republic Day at 17,000 feet in snow
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of the 71st Republic Day.
As India celebrates its 71st Republic Day, internet giant Google on Sunday marked the day by dedicating a doodle illustrating the country's rich cultural heritage that permeates and unites the diverse nation. Read more...
R-Day: Entry, exit at 4 Delhi Metro stations to be closed for few hours
Entry and exit at some of the metro stations in central Delhi will be closed for a few hours in the morning of Republic Day on Sunday due to security reasons, officials said on Saturday.
Entry and exit facilities at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan metro stations will not be available from 6 am to 12 pm, they said.
While entry and exit at Patel Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg metro stations will be closed from 8:45 am to 12 noon.
Interchange facilities will be available at Central Secretariat station, they said.
To facilitate the public attending the Republic Day parade, corridors like Yellow Line, Blue Line, Red Line and others, which commence operations at 8 am on Sundays will start their services at 6 am on January 26, officials said.
Entry and exit at some of the metro stations in central Delhi will be closed for a few hours in the morning of Republic Day on Sunday due to security reasons, officials said on Saturday.
Entry and exit facilities at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan metro stations will not be available from 6 am to 12 pm, they said.
While entry and exit at Patel Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg metro stations will be closed from 8:45 am to 12 noon.
Interchange facilities will be available at Central Secretariat station, they said.
To facilitate the public attending the Republic Day parade, corridors like Yellow Line, Blue Line, Red Line and others, which commence operations at 8 am on Sundays will start their services at 6 am on January 26, officials said.
Special security arrangements have been made for Brazilian President Bolsonaro, who is the chief guest for the Republic Day parade, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Eish Singhal had said earlier.
The Delhi police has also installed its facial recognition devices at all entry gates of the R-Day celebration venue to identify miscreants and suspects, said officials.
The celebration venue Rajpath will remain inaccessible to general traffic till 12 noon, till when the entry and exit gates of the Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg metro stations too will remain closed, beginning from 8.45 am.
Sharpshooters and snipers have been deployed atop high-rise buildings to keep watch on the eight-km-long parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort, they said.
Over ten thousand security personnel have been deployed to keep vigil over the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, said officials.
Aided by dozens of drones in the air and hundreds of CCTV cameras and facial recognition devices, besides several anti-aircraft guns on the ground, the security personnel are keeping a hawk-eyed vigil over Rajpath, where President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be celebrating the occasion along with chief guest, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and other dignitaries, besides thousands of citizens.
With the 71st Republic Day celebrations set to begin in the national capital shortly, the entire national capital has been put under a multi-layered, ground-to-air security cover with thousands of armed personnel keeping a tight vigil over it, including the celebration venue Rajpath.
A day earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind, on Saturday, invoked Mahatma Gandhi's message of truth and non-violence and urged the people, especially the youth, to follow non-violence while expressing concern over a cause and stick to constitutional methods of achieving social and economic objectives.
'It should be part of our daily routine to introspect on Gandhiji's message of truth and non-violence, which has become all the more necessary in our times,' said the President in a televised address to the nation on the eve of 71st Republic Day.
'It should be part of our daily routine to introspect on Gandhiji's message of truth and non-violence, which has become all the more necessary in our times,' said the President in a televised address to the nation on the eve of 71st Republic Day.
Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro is the chief guest this year who along with the Prime Minister will watch a stunning display of India's rich diversity. Twenty-two tableaux will roll down the Rajpath. While 16 of them are from States and Union Territories, remaining six are from various ministries.
The Presidential unfurling of tricolour is accompanied with National Anthem being played with a 21-gun salute.
As the nation is all set to witness the 71st Republic Day, the celebration of it will start at 9 a.m. with Presidential flag hosting.
At 9:15 a.m. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Amar Jawan Jyoti. He will lay a floral wreath at the National War Memorial.
But the focus of the day- the Republic Day Parade begins at around 9:30 a.m. and is likely to continue till 11.30 a.m.
At 9:15 a.m. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Amar Jawan Jyoti. He will lay a floral wreath at the National War Memorial.
But the focus of the day- the Republic Day Parade begins at around 9:30 a.m. and is likely to continue till 11.30 a.m.
Background
New Delhi: India is celebrating its 71st Republic Day today (January 26) marking it with grand celebrations in the national capital and all across the nation. The Republic Day is celebrated to honour the historic date when the country completed its transition towards becoming an independent republic after its constitution came into effect.
While the Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, it came into effect on January 26 -- a day when Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress back in 1929, as opposed to the Dominion status offered by the British Regime.
When the country became independent on August 14, 1947, it still didn't have a permanent constitution; instead, its laws were based on the modified colonial Government of India Act 1935.
Two weeks later, on December 29, a Drafting Committee was appointed to draft a permanent constitution, with Dr BR Ambedkar as its chairman. A draft constitution was prepared by the committee and submitted to the Constituent Assembly on 4 November 1947.
The Assembly met, in sessions open to public, for 166 days, spread over a period of two years, 11 months and 18 days before adopting the Constitution. After many deliberations and some modifications, the 308 members of the Assembly signed two hand-written copies of the document (one each in Hindi and English) on 24 January 1950.
The day is celebrated across India with a lot of fervour. The main Republic Day celebration is held in the national capital, New Delhi, at the Rajpath before the President of India.
This year, amid the presence of Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro in the national capital to represent the 71st Republic Day Parade of India as a chief guest, the country is all set to showcase its military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress on display at the majestic Rajpath.
The 90-minutes parade will commence with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the 21-gun salute. The march will begin at 1000 hours from Vijay Chowk to the Red Fort, via the traditional route of Rajpath.
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