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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Jan 26, 2016, 02:25 PM IST
India's military prowess and multi-hued images of the country's rich cultural diversity and achievements in various fields were on display at the majestic Rajpath on Tuesday during 67th Republic Day parade which was graced by French President Francois Hollande as the chief guest.
Hollande was seated between President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi who wore a marigold coloured ' safa '(turban). Modi was seen explaining things to Hollande on several occasions during the one-and-a-half-hour-long event.
Thousands of people on both sides of the imposing Rajpath, India's ceremonial boulevard facing the seat of power Raisina Hills, braved the winter chill and cheered loudly as the marching contingents and tableux went past them.
Rare natural abode of Asiatic lions in Gir, Madhya Pradesh's white tiger safari, works of BR Ambedkar and initiatives like 'Swachh Bharat' and 'Digital India' were among the themes this year for the Republic Day tableaux.
A total of 23 tableaux were on display with 17 of them belonging to various states and Union Territories.
This year the duration of the parade has been curtailed from more than two hours to 90 minutes.
French Army soldiers created history by marching down the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade, becoming the first foreign military contingent to take part in the celebrations.
Led by Lt Col Paul Bury of the French Army's 35th Infantry Regiment, one of the oldest regiments of France, the 76-member contingent marched before an audience.
Forty-eight members of 'The Music of the Infantry', a ceremonial band based in Lyon in France, played two military tunes at the parade as the spectators cheered them.
The ‘Globe’ formation at RepublicDayParade, comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30s.
Motor cycle display team of Corps of Signals, popularly known as the 'Dare Devils'
Republic Day Live: Chandigarh's tableau depicts the smart, green & dream city. https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn (PIB) pic.twitter.com/V7erfhlIgR
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Republic Day Live: The Asiatic Lions of Gujarat at Rajpath! https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/ObJ3pZvv96
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Republic Day Live: Tableau of #Karnataka is on 'Kodagu: The Coffee Land of Karnataka' https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/tUOOYXNWwg
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Sikkim's tableau depicts celebration of #Buddha Jayanti in Sikkim, which is popularly called Saga Dawa
Republic Day Live | Indian Air Foce Tableaux displays the work undertaken by the force. https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/YXf2MRS5D0
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Republic Day Live | Tableaux of DRDO https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/LoK6bHoCbo
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Republic Day Live: BSF camel contingent, with 36 camels, march at Rajpath https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/YF9UiURnfi
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Indian Army dogs marched in the Republic Day Parade this year after 26 years. A bunch of Labradors and German shepherds were seen marching with their handlers.
It was in 1990 that the army dog squad was last seen participating in Republic Day parade and before that it was in 1963.
Republic Day Live: For the first time after 26 Years, Army Dogs feature in the Parade https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/4CQBsUEgax
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Tank T-90 Bhishm, Indian Army's main battle tanks, displayed at Rajpath. It can fire four types of ammunition.T-90 Bhishm, Indian Army's main battle tanks, displayed at Rajpath. It can fire four types of ammunition.
#RepublicDay Live: #Brahmos WPN system goes past the saluting base (PIB) https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/agd4lA0wJ4
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
French contingent marching in the parade.
This is the first time when a foreign army marched down the Rajpath along with Indian troops as part of the Republic Day celebrations.
The regiment has as many as 12 battle honours to its credit. The battalion has varied combat experiences, having served in Algeria, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan, amongst other places.
Republic Day Live: Close-up of the French contingent marching in the parade https://t.co/dgO9rKMTQn pic.twitter.com/sL2w75eDaI
— dna (@dna) January 26, 2016
Republic day parade
Prime Minister Modi paid tribute at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the memorial dedicated to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.
French President Francois Hollande, who is the Chief Guest of this year arrives at Rajpath.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh hoists national flag at his residence in Delhi.
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For the first time ever, the Republic Day parade will witness a tableau by the ex-servicemen where the Army veterans will showcase their role in building the nation.
Ex-servicemen and six from various ministries will be part of the traditional tableaus.
PM Modi greets nation on Republic Day
Taking to micro-blogging site, PM Modi tweeted, " Republic Day greetings to all my fellow Indians."
He further added, "Tributes to all great personalities who framed our Constitution. I salute Dr. Ambedkar for his efforts as Chairman of Drafting Committee."
Republic Day greetings to all my fellow Indians. सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की शुभकामनाएं...जय हिन्द
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2016
