New Delhi:
A huge celebration on the lines of the Republic Day to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1965 war with Pakistan was started today evening in Delhi's Rajpath, which included, among other things, a thrilling aerial display.
The flypast began precisely at 4.19 pm, in which squadrons of Advanced Light Helicopters ALH-IA, Sukhoi 30s and Mi 17s took part.
The Rajpath was declared a no-fly zone as Sukhoi 30s went through daring manouevres, including the "Missing Man formation".
A carnival 'Indradhanush', was organised at the India Gate lawns that showcased events like martial arts display, jazz band concert, hot air balloon rides, choreographed dance shows, dog show, army motor cycle display, magicians, jugglers and a host of other activities.
'Shauryanjali', an exhibition being held by the army on Rajpath, has been extended by two more days owing to the huge turnout.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has visited the exhibition, mentioned it in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' today, saying, "I was supposed to be there for 30 minutes but spent much more time than that."
To add to the glitz, multicuisine food courts have also been set up at the spot.
The nationwide month-long celebrations to honour the soldiers who fought the war had started on August 28 -- the day India had captured the Haji Pir pass, which now lies in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.
After initial reverses, India had won tactical victories in the war, which is largely seen as having had no clear result, ending with a United Nations-mandated ceasefire on September 23, 1965.
Over the years, both sides have claimed that they won the war. Independent assessments say India had the upper hand when the UN stepped in, leading to the Tashkent declaration.