Republic Day 2019: 'Nari shakti', military might on display at parade

India's 70th Republic Day: Theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year was the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. Catch LIVE updates on R-Day celebrations

Visual of the K-9 Vajra-T, a self-propelled howitzer, commanded by Captain Devansh Bhutani.

Today, India celebrated its 70th Republic Day. The celebration began with the ceremonial parade at Rajpath, amid tight security in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti in the presence of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the three service chiefs. The chief guest of this Republic Day was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. At the unfurling of the tricolour, the band played the national anthem with a 21-gun salute fired in the background. Many senior leaders, including Home Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, and former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Deve Gowda, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Ghulam Nabi Azad and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were among those present on the occasion.

The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and tableaux of many states, themed on him, are lined up for the occasion.

India's military might was also on display, with the artillery gun system M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers, recently acquired from the US, and K9 Vajra, a self-propelled artillery gun, showcased on Rajpath, being new additions this year.

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

Contingents of the Navy, Army Service Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals (transportable satellite terminal) were led by women officers too, as the crowd cheered.

The march began with showering of flower petals by helicopters led by the parade commander, parade second-in-command and Param Vir Chakra and Ashoka Chakra awardees.

The Indian Army's T-90 tank, Ballway Machine Pikate (BMP-II/IIK), Surface Mine Clearing System, 155 mm/52 Calibre Tracked Self-propelled Gun (K-9 Vajra), Transportable Satellite Terminal, Troop Level Radar and Akash Weapon System were also showcased at the parade.

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Padma Shri awardee Manoj Bajpayee: I’m honured to receive such a prestigious award. I thank everyone who appreciated our efforts we've put to make the films. It's not an honor only for Manoj Bajpayee but for the journey of conviction & belief with which I worked towards my goal.

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IAF flypast stuns crowd at Republic Day parade

Thousands of restless people were stunned into a brief silence, their eyes rolled towards skies and ears buzzing to the humming sound as the Indian Air Force planes roared over the majestic Rajpath during the 70th Republic Day parade on Saturday.

Imaginations flew as people stood motionless.

A huge round of applause broke the silence when four helicopters in inverted Y/Wine glass formation carried the national flag and respective service ensigns, marking the beginning of the flypast, a sought-after event during the annual Republic Day parade.

The Rudra formation, comprising three ALH Mk IV WSI helicopters, flew in 'vic' formation. The 'Dhruv' formation consisting of two advanced light helicopters and two armed version of the ALH named 'RUDRA' of Army aviation flew in 'Diamond formation'.

The Hercules formation, comprising three C-130J Super Hercules, roared past the Rudra helicopters, with people yelling and cheering the mighty aircraft. READ ON...

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Delhi tableau showcases Mahatma Gandhi's 720-day stay in Birla House

Mahatma Gandhi's 720-day stay in Delhi's Birla House between 1915 and 1948 was on display on the national capital's tableau at the 70th Republic Day parade.

The tableau highlighted the Mahatma's sojourns in Delhi, the first of which took place in 1915. It showcased Gandhi Smriti, formerly known as Birla House, where the father of the nation spent his last 144 days.

The tableau's front part showed Gandhi seated and praying with the symbolic charkha in the background. The side panels represented Gandhi Smriti's World Peace Gong and various visuals from his activities during his stay in Delhi. READ ON...

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As the celebrations for the 70th Republic Day comes to an end, Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes his time to bid adieu to the gathered crowd at the Rajpath.

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The flypast by the Indian Air Force mesmerised the audience at the Rajpath.

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The flypast by the Indian Air Force mesmerised the audience at the Rajpath.

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First Published: Jan 26 2019 | 8:23 AM IST