In Kolkata Governor M K Narayanan presided over the marchpast of armed and police forces.
Colourful parade and procession with decorated tableaux portraying the state's culture and heritage were highlights of the programme, which was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
"I salute all those whose selfless toil, struggle and sacrifice gave us our freedom and established democracy in the country. We have always placed people above everything else. Our plans, programmes, policies and priorities are always people-centric," Banerjee said in a message on Facebook.