70th Republic Day Celebration Pics: India Showcases Its Rich History and Diversity At Rajpath, Pays Tribute To Bapu

Ashoka Chakra

South African President Ramaphosa was the chief guest at the 90-minute celebrations marking the anniversary of the day when the world's biggest democracy was declared a republic in 1950. / AFP image

The Republic Day parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wearing a yellowish orange turban, leading the nation in paying homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti under India Gate. / AFP image

The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and release of balloons. Modi waved to the crowd after the conclusion of the ceremony and were greeted with loud cheers./ AFP image

'Nari Shakti' (women power) was on full display at the Rajpath with an all-woman Assam Rifles contingent creating history by participating for the first time in the parade, which was led by Maj Khushboo Kanwar./ AFP image

A major highlight of the parade was participation of four Indian National Army (INA) veterans -- Parmanand, Lalti Ram, Hira Singh and Bhagmal, all aged over 90 years, for the first time. The other highlights include the display of American howitzers M777, the Main Battle Tank (MBT) T-90 and indigenously developed Akash weapons system./ AFP image

The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF. The flypast commenced with the 'Rudra' formation comprising three advanced light helicopters in 'Vic' formation, followed by the 'Hercules' formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft./ AFP image

A total of 22 tableaux, 16 from states and union territories and six from central government ministries and departments, were part of the cultural parade, the overall theme of which was life and ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. / AFP image

The event took place under a massive security cover as it took place days after two suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists were arrested./ AFP image

Anxious children responded to the fascinating site with a huge round of applause./ AFP image

New Delhi: India today celebrated the 70th Republic Day with a grand military parade and exhibition of its history, cultural diversity and strategic weaponry at the Rajpath -- the city's centrepiece boulevard -- in the presence of thousands of spectators including foreign dignitaries and the country's top political and military brass./ AFP image