India celebrated its 64th Republic Day on Saturday with a grand display of its military might and rich cultural exhibits.
A Woman gets her face painted in tri-colours of India's national flag near the India Gate during the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi (Reuters)Reuters
The grand parade ceremony commenced at Rajapath, New Delhi, after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with Defence minister A.K Antony and Chiefs of the Defence force laid wreaths at Amar Jyothi to pay tribute to the armed members who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is greeted by officials upon his arrival before the start of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. (Reuters)
The customary 21-gun salute was followed by the unfolding of the national flag by President Pranab Mukherjee. Saturday was Mukherjee's first Republic day celebration after being elected as president.
Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was the chief guest at India's 64th Republic Day Celebrations in New Delhi.
Bhutan's King Wangchuck and India's President Mukherjee leave after attending the Republic Day parade in New Delhi (Reuters)
The synchronized march past by Military and police contingent was led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Lt General Subroto Mitra.
Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi (Reuters)
People watch Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi (Reuters)
Besides the top officials of the government including Vice President Hamid Ansari and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, thousands of people had watched the march past in the national capital.
The country showed its military strength with the MBT Arjun Tank, Armoured Ambulance Tracked Vehicle, BrahMos missiles and 214 mm Pinaka rockets, 15 Metre Sarvatra Bridging System PTI reported.
The most spectacular and eye catching event was the display of the 5,500-5,800 km ballistic Agni-V missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.
Surface-to-surface Agni V missile is displayed during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi (Reuters)
Indian Air ForceReuters
Indian Air ForceReuters
Artists in traditional attires perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi (Reuters)
Policewoman adjusts her neck scarf during the Republic Day parade in Chandigarh (Reuters)
Indian policeman performs a stunt on his motorcycle during the Republic Day parade in Jammu (Reuters)
Indian Navy sailors march as they take part in ceremonial parade during Republic Day celebrations at the southern Naval Command in Kochi (Reuters) .
Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in Kolkata (Reuters)
Indian soldiers perform a dare-devil show on their motorcycles during full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Jan 23.
Indian artists perform as they take part in full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Jan 23.
