In a display of India's military might, the Rafale fighter jets took part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time as the armed forces showcased its T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system and Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets on the Rajpath on Tuesday.
Depicting the nation's rich cultural heritage and economic progress, 17 tableaux from states and union territories and nine from different Union ministries and paramilitary forces took part in the 72nd Republic day parade.
School children performed folk arts and crafts displaying skills and dexterity handed down from generations. Bajasal, a folk dance from Kalahandi in Odisha, the Fit India Movement and Aatmanirbhar Bharat were also displayed on the Rajpath.
This year, the attendance to the Republic Day parade was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those below 15 years of age and above 65 were not allowed among the visitors at the venue.
The parade also witnessed several major changes. The contingents only marched a distance of 3.5 km instead of the usual 8.5 km and for the first time in 55 years, no foreign dignitary attended the January 26 parade.
IMAGE: Indian Armed Forces T-90 tanks pass Rajpath, during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Defence Research and Development Organisation's BrahMos missile on display at Rajpath, during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
IMAGE: DRDO's Pinaka missile on display at Rajpath during the 72nd Republic Day parade. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Indian Air Force fighter jets fly past during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: Indian Air Force soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: Members of Jat Regiment participate in the parade at Rajpath, during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations. Photograph: Atul Yadav/PTI Photo
IMAGE: National Security Guard commandos march during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: Border Security Force's camel mounted contingent participates in the parade at Rajpath. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo
IMAGE: A tableau from Uttar Pradesh state rolls down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: Dancers perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
IMAGE: President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi watch a flypast by Indian Air Force aircraft during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo
IMAGE: Home Minister Amit Shah, CJI S A Bobde, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and others witness a flypast by Indian Air Force aircraft, during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo
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