New Delhi: Today, India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day. The main function was held at the Rajpath in the national capital where President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute of the parade and the flypast.
The Republic Day Parade Ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate.
Around 25 thousand security personnel have been deployed across the city and security has been beefed up at strategic locations in central Delhi.
This year for the very first time, all women marching contingent of the Assam Rifles took part in the parade.
The parade was commanded by Lieutenant General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding headquartered in Delhi Area.
This year a special contingent of four members of veterans of Indian National Army who fought valiantly against the imperial forces also took part in the Republic Day Parade.
Also, as this year celebration marks the 150th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, the theme of tableaux was Mahatma Gandhi.
The Tableau of Gujarat government depicted the historic Dandi March and Uttar Pradesh showcased Mahatma Gandhi historic journeys particularly to Varanasi and 'Kashi Vidyapeeth'.
Maharashtra portrayed the Quit India Movement among others sources said while the West Bengal tableau showed Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore sitting together.
This year's parade had a special significance because around 300 overseas Indians and people of Indian origin who had come to attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations at Varanasi would also attend the majestic ceremony.