January 26: A nation celebrates

India celebrated its 57th Republic Day with great fervour and pageantry.

The Republic Day parade in New Delhi showcased the country's military prowess and its rich cultural heritage.

The distinguished gathering, which witnessed the parade down Rajpath, included President A P J Abdul Kalam, the chief guest of the day Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and many other dignitaries.

King Abdullah is the first Saudi king to visit India in 50 years.

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Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.

Photograph: Prakash Singh/AFP/Getty Images