Patriotic fervour swept the nation on Saturday as it celebrated its 69th Independence Day, with chief ministers announcing development initiatives, flagging the challenges ahead and pledging to take their states forward on the path of peace and progress.
The celebrations marked by unfurling of tricolour, colourful parades and other events in the state capitals passed off peacefully.
A view of the 69th Independence Day function at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. Photograph: PTI
BSF soldier wave the Tricolour as they mark the occasion of Independence Day at the Attari Border in Wagah. Photograph: PTI
Female cops take part in the Independence Day celebrations at the Bakshi stadium in Srinagar. The functions in Jammu and Kashmir were held in the heavy presence of security personnel. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com
The mobile phone services remained suspended till the ceremonies were over in the valley. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com
The Indian Army hosted the Chinese PLA to a Special Border Personnel Meeting at Chushul in Eastern Ladakh. Photograph: PROArmy
Participants holding the Tricolour conduct stunts on a motorbike during Independence Day celebrations in Guwahati. Photograph: Rediff.com
Students of Swaminarayan Gurukul holds tricolour to mark the celebrations of 69th Independence Day in Ahmedabad. Photograph: PTI
Wearing their patriotism on their sleeve, in this case, their body. Boys with the Tricolour painted on their bodies take out a procession in Bhubhaneshwar. Photograph: PTI
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspecting the parade during 69th Independence Day celebration at Gandhi Maidan. Photograph: PTI
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav salutes after unfurling the national flag during the 69th Independence Day function at Vidhan Sabha in Lucknow. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI
School children celebrate after being rewarded for their dance performance during India's Independence Day celebrations in Chandigarh. Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters
Village children show their patriotic spirit near Balurghat. Photograph: PTI Photo
The future of India, its kids. This photograph was taken at a school in Mumbai. Photograph: Shashank Parade/PTI Photo
This human chain at a college in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu comprised of 6,900 students, creating a record of sorts. Photograph: PTI Photo
School children perform during Independence Day celebrations at Guru Nanak Stadium in Amritsar, Punjab. Photograph: PTI Photo
India's vibrant culture on display at the Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo
Schoolchildren dressed in tricolour patterns listen to the prime minister speak at Red Fort in New Delhi. Photograph: PIB Photo
