Republic Day 2017: India celebrates its 68th Republic Day today with the Parade on Rajpath
India celebrates its 68th Republic Day today. The Parade, held every year at Rajpath in Delhi, concluded earlier today. On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, and Republic Day is celebrated to honour that day. On this day in 1950, the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad took oath. President Pranab Mukherjee started the ceremony by hoisting the Indian flag, following which the Republic Day Parade began from Rajpath. The parade, held annually on January 26, starts from Rajpath and ends at Red Fort in Delhi. Every year on Republic Day, India invites a visiting head of state, who is the state guest of honour (chief guest) for the ceremony. This year's guest of honour was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally received the Prince at the airport, said that United Arab Emirates is India's valued partner and close ties between the two countries are important for the entire region. India and UAE have signed 13 agreements, including one on strategic cooperation. Though Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 with the Parade on Rajpath, the celebrations are spread over three days and ends with the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29.
Please Note: For live updates, kindly refresh the page manually by pressing 'F5' on your keyboard (if you're reading this on a computer) or exit the story and click on the headline again (if you're reading this on your mobile or tablet)Here are the live updates for Republic Day 2017 Parade on Rajpath:January 26, 2017 - 11:40 am: The Republic Day Parade comes to an end. All rise for the National Anthem, following which the President and guest of honour, as well as Vice President and Prime Minister leave Rajpath.
The Republic Day Parade concludes as President Pranab Mukherjee leaves for Rashtrapati Bhavan
The Air Force Flypast over Rajpath on Republic Day
The Indian Air Force conducts a flypast over Rajpath on Republic Day
Daredevils on motorbikes showcase their talent and skill on Rajpath on India's 68th Republic Day
Daredevils, as they are called, showcase their talen and skill on Republic Day
Daredevils, as they are called, showcase their talen and skill on Republic Day
The state tableau from Haryana was dedicated to the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign.
The Haryana tableau highlights the efforts being made towards 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'
After India's Armed Forces showcase its military strength, state Tableaus showcase India's culture and diversity on Republic Day
. State Tableaus showcase India's rich tradition, heritage, culture and diversity
State Tableaus showcase India's rich tradition, heritage, culture and diversity
A special contingent of the National Security Guard or NSG during the Republic Day Parade.
A special contingent of the National Security Guard during the Republic Day Parade
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guest of honour His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of United Aram Emirates interact during the Republic Day Parade.
PM Modi interacts with guest of honour His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE
Photos from the Republic Day Parade - Military contingents marching down Rajpath.
Military contingents march down Rajpath on India's 68th Republic Day
Military contingents march down Rajpath on India's 68th Republic Day
Photos from the Republic Day Parade - India showcases its military strength as missiles and tanks roll down Rajpath on Republic Day
. India has made significant progress in missile technology in recent years.
Missiles and Tanks roll down Rajpath on Republic Day.
Photos from the Republic Day Parade - An Armed Forces contingent on horseback salute to the President as they ride down Rajpath on India's 68th Republic Day
An Armed Forces contingent on horseback salute the President as they ride down Rajpath
Photos from the Republic Day Parade
The Indian Armed Forces march down Rajpath
As a special gesture, a
marching contingent of the military of the United Arab Emirates is the first to march on India's 68th Republic Day Parade.
A military marching contingent of the United Arab Emirates are the first to march on Rajpath
A flypast by Indian Air Force helicopters mark the commencement of the Parade march.
Indian Air Force helicopters at Rajpath mark the commencement of the Republic Day Parade march
President Pranab Mukherjee presents gallantry awards to the the wives of martyrs, who showed immense courage in defending our motherland.
President Pranab Mukherjee gives gallantry awards to the wives of martyrs
All rise for the National Anthem at Rajpath. 21-gun-salute as the National Anthem is played on Rajpath.
The National Anthem being played on Rajpath on the occasion of India's 68th Republic Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives and welcomes President Pranab Mukherjee and guest of honour Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
PM Modi welcomes the President and the guest of honour for the Republic Day Parade
The President of India Pranab Mukherjee and the guest of honour for the Republic Day His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan being escorted down Rajpath. PM Narendra Modi waits to receive and welcome them for the parade.
President Pranab Mukherjee and guest of honour His Highness Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan being escorted
Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and welcomes him for the Republic Day Parade.
January 26, 2017 - 09:45 am: After paying tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, Prime Minister Modi has arrived at the main stand on Rajpath. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and PM Modi meet the 3 service chiefs and exchange greetings with dignitaries. The Prime Minister will welcome the President and the guest of honour Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shortly.
PM Narendra Modi meeting Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the 3 service Chiefs of Staff
The Republic Day Parade has begun as President Pranab Mukherjee unfurls the Indian flag at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in Delhi.
Prime Minister Modi and the 3 chiefs of staff pay tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti
At the grand parade, India will showcase its culture from across the country, as well as its military strength. On its 68th Republic Day,
here's what it means for young Indians.
January 26, 2017 - 09:10 am: Security in Delhi has been heightened for the Republic Day ceremony. The national capital has been brought under ground-to-air security.
Intelligence agencies have issued a warning of an attack.
January 26, 2017 - 08:55 am: In a special tribute to India on its 68th Republic Day,
Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest skyscraper, was lit up like the Indian Flag. The musical fountains next to the world's tallest building leapt to the music of Jai Ho and Vande Mataram, as a mile high electronic flag draped the Burj. India shares a strong friendship with UAE. Prime Minister Modi has called the United Arab Emirates a valued partner.
A spectacular LED illumination of the Indian National flag on Burj Khalifa
Traffic Advisory for Republic Day Parade: Major traffic restrictions have been put in place in Delhi for the Republic Day Parade that will be watched by President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, guest of honour Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, dignitaries and hundreds more.
Click here to see which roads to avoid and which ones are closed.
January 26, 2017 - 08:45 am: How you can watch: The Republic Day Parade and ceremony will begin at 09:40 AM, and will be streamed LIVE on NDTV 24X7 and NDTV.com