India celebrated its 63rd Republic Day. An impressive display of India's military might and cultural diversity was showcased during the parade. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid a solemn tribute to soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the nation by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
The impressive march-past was watched by Chief Guest Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Vice President HamidAnsari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Marshal of Air Force Arjan Singh and top political and military brass.
The early morning chill did not deter people along the 8-km-parade route as they gathered and cheered the contingents as they went past portraying the diverse culture of the country.
The well-turned out and synchronised military and police formations led by General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Lt Gen V K Pillai marched proudly to the lilting tunes of bands through the Rajpath where President Pratibha Patil, who is the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, took salute.
Minutes before the parade began, Singh, Antony and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force laid wreaths at 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', an eternal flame in the memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation.
Police and other para-military forces turned Delhi into a a virtual fortress for the Republic Day celebrations as helicpoters scanned from air, snipers kept a hawk-eye vigil from rooftops and armed personnel at every nook and corner provided a ground-to-air security apparatus.
An impressive display of armour and unmanned aerial vehicles recently added to India's military prowess was on full display at the 63rd Republic Day parade.
The Army showcased its impressive weaponry which included T-72 tanks, Carrier Motor Tracked vehicle, Smerch missile Launcher, Multi Barrel Rocket System 'Pinaka' and Full Width Mine Plough.
An Indian army soldier salutes dignitaries as he rides in a truck carrying SMERCH rockets on Rajpath during the main Republic Day parade on Thursday.
The Navy showcased models of the Delhi Class guided
missile destroyer and IL-38 (Sea Dragon) Long-Range Maritime
Reconnaissance aircraft.
As the country's armed and police forces demonstrated their might, states and different departments put up an impressive show when they showcased their rich cultural diversity in full display in 23 tableaux -- 13 from states and ten from ministries.
Girls wearing traditional clothing danced for dignitaries during the main Republic Day parade in New Delhi.
Rajasthan brought alive the 'Aamber Fort' which has an unique artistic style that
blends both Hindu and Mughal elements.
Goa, Nagaland and Sikkim are other states who showcased their cultural heritage.
Punjab tableaux adorned the larger than life figure of Sher-e-Punjab Maharaja Ranjit Singh atop the Lahore fort.
Another highlight of the event was that West Bengal became part of the parade after 13 years as it showcased the university town of Shantiniketan, the living abode of Rabindranath Tagore, that symbolises the avant garde vision of an international, educational and cultural institution.
Goa, Nagaland and Sikkim are other states who showcased their cultural heritage.
A breathtaking dare-devil performance from the BSF motorcycle team 'Janbaz' took the breath out of the spectators.
Indian army helicopters fly in formation over the main Republic Day parade on Rajpath, in New Delhi on Thursday.
154 riders on 30 motorcycles performed Bordermen Salute, Side Riding, Yoga, Janbaz-1, Ladder Double, Harmony, Exercise, Pyramid, Parallel Bar, Guldasta, Karvan and Flag March.
