BSF women Bikers performed a variety of stunts during the 69th Republic Day Parade. (PTI)
As India celebrates its 69th Republic Day today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN as guests of honour at the ceremonial parade being held at Rajpath. The parade was presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind.
The Republic Day parade began at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where PM Modi paid homage to the soldiers who died in the line of duty. The National Anthem was played with a 21-gun salute after the unfurling of the tricolour. India's military might was on full display during the annual celebrations.
The national capital was wrapped in a thick security blanket to ensure peaceful celebrations. Special teams, anti-aircraft guns and snipers were deployed to keep a vigil on the eight-km parade route from Rajpath to Red Fort. Hundreds of CCTV cameras as well as drones are watching people's movements along the parade route. Nearly 60,000 security personnel from the Delhi Police and central security forces have been deployed in Central Delhi.
Here are the updates of the 69th Republic Day celebrations:
The Republic Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and excitement in Himachal Pradesh as people notwithstanding extreme cold conditions participated in large numbers in functions across the state, news agency PTI reported. Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the tricolor at the historic Ridge Ground here at a state-level function and took the salute of contingents of the Indian Army, Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), SSB and state police. Capt. Deepak Math Pal from 22 Rajput Rifles commanded the parade. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Education minister Suresh Bharadwaj, legislators and officials attended the event in the state capital.
Around 30,000 people today thronged the M A M stadium in Jammu for the 69th Republic Day celebrations where the Jammu and Kashmir police's daredevil team left the spectators spellbound, as contingents from various armed forces and government departments also showcased their might. Governor N N Vohra hoisted the tricolour at the state- level function at the Maulana Azad Stadium, attended by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Legislative Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta, Chief Justice of J-K High Court Justice Badar Durrez
Ahmed, among others, news agency PTI reported.
In Assam, the Republic Day celebrations were marred by three low-intensity explosions in Tinsukia district and an indefinite curfew at Maibong in Dima Hasao following a bandh call over the death of two people, who were injured in police firing yesterday, PTI reported.
On the occasion of 69th Republic Day, the Ministry of Tourism today launched 'Bharat Parv' at the Red Fort in Delhi, news agency PTI reported. Rashmi Verma, secretary, tourism ministry, inaugurated the programme. The event will be held from January 27 to January 31 between 12 noon to 10 pm for the general public for free. The ministry will display the Republic Day parade tableaux, performances by the armed forces bands (static as well as dynamic), multi-cuisine food court, crafts mela, cultural performances from different regions of the country and photo exhibition by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP), an official statement said.
PM Modi also thanked other heads of states - Frank Bainimarama, Prime Minister of Fiji, and Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay - for their wishes on India's 69th Republic Day on micro-blogging site Twitter.
Following the Republic Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak for strengthening the ties between two countries.
AIADMK Boycotts Reception Hosted By Kiran Bedi In Puducherry
In Puducherry, opposition AIADMK lawmakers today boycotted the 'at home' reception hosted by Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi at the Raj Nivas on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, protesting against her 'style of functioning', news agency PTI reported.
The boycott by the four AIADMK legislator was announced earlier by party legislature leader A Anbalagan.
Beating Retreat ceremony from Attari-Wagah border on the 69th Republic Day
After grand Republic Day parade, President Kovind hosts reception at 'home'.
Republic Day 2018: BSF's Women Bikers Make Jaw-Dropping DebutAn all-woman contingent of the Border Security Force or BSF dazzled spectators with their daring bike stunts during the 69th Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath. In one of the most-awaited acts of the day, the women constables created some stunning formations, such as "fish riding, side riding, faulaad, peacock and Saptarishi", that dropped jaws and drew cheers.
Union ministers in the audience were seen standing and applauding displays from their ministries. Many were seen standing and cheering the float from PM Modi's home state Gujarat, which celebrated "a century of Sabarmati Ashram and Gandhi".
India's highest peacetime military decoration Ashok Chakra was given to Indian Air Force Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala, who died fighting terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir last year. The soldier's wife and mother received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind.
An Army contingent marches across historical ridge on the occasion of 69th Republic Day in Shimla (PTI Image)
Dazzling Air Display, Women Daredevils At India's 69th Republic Day Parade Watched By 10 World Leaders: 10 FactsIndia celebrated its 69th Republic Day today with a record 10 heads of state, from ASEAN or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, watching the grand parade with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rajpath, the ceremonial road in the heart of Delhi. The leaders, sporting crimson Indian scarves, sat on a 100-foot stage enclosed by bullet-proof glass, their presence demonstrating India's stress on upgrading its 'Look East' policy to 'Act East'. At the start of the ceremony, the Prime Minister, in a saffron, red and green safa or traditional headgear, paid homage to soldiers who died in the line of duty.
Differently abled children perform during Republic Day celebrations at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal (PTI Image)
People participate in a rally as a part of the 69th Republic Day celebrations in Guwahati (PTI Image)
Not Row 1 or 4, Rahul Gandhi In Row 6 At R-Day Parade. Congress FuriousCongress president Rahul Gandhi watched the Republic Day parade today from the sixth row at Delhi's Rajpath, seated closer to the public than to union ministers and senior BJP leaders. Sources in the Congress say it is the first time since independence that the party's chief has not been assigned a seat in the front row.
A CISF contingent marches past during the Republic Day celebrations as Governor Draupadi Murmu gives a salute in Ranchi (PTI Image)
School children participate in 69th Republic Day celebrations in Lucknow (PTI)
Republic Day celebrations in Rajasthan through a musical presentation showcasing the diverse Indian culture.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked ASEAN leaders for their presence at the 69th Republic Day celebrations.
PM Modi with ASEAN leaders at the 69th Republic Day celebrations in Rajpath
Prime Minister walks down Rajpath to greet people on the 69th Republic Day
The idea of 113 BSF women's motercycle stunt was the brainchild of BSF Director General KK Sharma who wanted to replace men daredevils with women bikers, Deputy Inspector General Pushpendra Rathore said. Me Rathore is in charge of the team that has been camping in Delhi since December.
Sukhoi-30 of Indian Air Force execute the Trishul manoeuvre.
National anthem played with President Ram Nath saluting the national flag.
Five Jaguar deep penetration strike aircraft in 'Arrowhead' formation at the height of 300m and a speed of 780 km/hr
PM Modi along with the ASEAN leaders look at the fly past presentation at the 69th Republic Day Parade
The group led by Sub-Inspector Stanzin Noryang, 28, from Jammu and Kashmir's Ladakh region, would be a first all-women contingent from any force to perform biking stunts at the annual event that displays a mix of India's military might and cultural prowess.
The women squad has been named Seema Bhavani or the border braves. "Like a Durga they guard our borders and that is why we have named them Seema Bavani," explains their instructor, Deputy Commandant Ramesh Chandra.
Fly past presented by the Indian Air Force at the 69th Republic Day parade.
Lotus formation by the BSF bikers
The members of this special women bikers' squad have been specially chosen by BSF trainers and are aged between 25-30 years. They have been drawn from various combat ranks of the force.
113 women bikers in the BSF team at the 69th Republic Day parade
Shikshit Bharat Sashakat Bharat - Educated India, Empowered India
Sangrai Mog Dance performed by the North East Zone Culture Centre in Dimapur at the 69th Republic Day parade
In a first, 10 ASEAN leaders join the Republic Day celebrations. A show of the tableau presented of the ASEAN trade and relationship at the 69th Republic Day Parade.
Baredi Folk dance from Madhya Pradesh, performed at the 69th Republic Day parade
Performances by school students at the 69th Republic Day parade
Children's Pagent: Bharat Ke Rang at the 69th Republic Day parade
National Bravery Award winning children. 18 children, 7 girls and 11 boys were awarded.
Income Tax Department - Clean Money tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Rahul Gandhi present at the 69th Republic Day celebrations
Indian Council of Agricultural research - Mishrit Kheti, Khushiyon ki Kheti tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports - Khelo India tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Ministry of Tribal Affairs - Uchit Dam Hak Se Mang tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Gujarat - Century of Sabarmati Ashram tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Manipur - Khamba Thoibi tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Himachal Pradesh - Kye Monastery tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Punjab - Sangat and Pangat tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Assam - Traditional masks of the Satras tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Kerala - Kettukazhcha tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Chhattisgarh - Ramgarh's Ancient Amphitheater tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Lakshadweep - Island of joy tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Maharashtra - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Jammu and Kashmir - Livelihood of Jammu and Kashmir tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Uttarakhand - Rural Tourism tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Tripura - Handicrafts tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
Madhya Pradesh - Sanchi a key Buddhist centre 69th Republic Day parade
Karnataka - Wild life tableau at the 69th Republic Day parade
The ASEAN - Culture and religion tableau at the 69th Republic Day Parade
The ASEAN - Education and Trade tableau at the 69th Republic Day Parade
AIR tableau or India's National Broadcaster at the 69th Republic Day Parade
Pipe and Drum band marching at the 69th Republic Day Parade
National Cadet Corps, Girls NCC Band at the 69th Republic Day Parade
National Cadet Corps, Boys NCC Band at the 69th Republic Day Parade
Delhi Police band playing the 'Delhi Police' song at the 69th Republic Day Parade
Indo Tibetan Border Police marching to the tune Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara at the 69th Republic Day Parade
Sashastra Seema Bal Band seen playing Sashastra Seema Bal Song 69th Republic Day Parade
BSF Camel Contingent of the BSF of 'Ships of the Desert' 69th Republic Day Parade
The Air Force tableau displayed at the 69th Republic Day Parade
A long shot of the India gate as the 69th Republic Day parade underway.
Air Force band at the 69th Republic Day parade.
The tableau of Armed force veterans at 69th Republic Day parade.
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Long range anti-aircraft at the 69th Republic Day parade
President Ram Nath Kovind seen saluting the marching parade at 69th Republic Day parade
Akash surface to air missile displayed at the 69th Republic Day parade
The ASEAN flag carried along with individual flags of the 10 ASEAN nations at the 69th Republic Day parade
The 69th Republic Day parade begins with the display of T-90 tankers
Ashoka Chakra awarded to Late Air Force Commando JP Nirala, who lost his life in Bandipora encounter. President Kovind presents award to JP Nirala's mother and wife.
"Squad Motivator" 47-Year-Old BSF Jawan To March At Rajpath For 18th TimeFor 47-year-old BSF soldier Dara Singh marching on the Rajpath for a record 18th time today, it is just a small tribute to his namesake and the iconic wrestler. Mr Singh, who first put his foot on the historic road in the national capital on January 26, 1996, is addressed as "Chacha" and "Sir" by the greenhorn troopers of various marching contingents from the paramilitary and defence forces.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets President Ram Nath Kovind as they get on stage ahead of the 69th Republic Day celebrations
PM Modi along with President Ram Nath Kovind and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitraraman on stage ahead of the 69th Republic Day parade.
Burmese politician and diplomat, Aung San Suu Kyi at the 69th Republic Day celebrations.