India celebrates 60 years of its Republic

The country's vibrant cultural heritage, its impressive achievements and military might were on a majestic display today as the country celebrated the 60th Republic Day. (NDTV Photo)

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh paid tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to soldiers who had laid down their lives in the defence of the country. (NDTV Photo)

After the prime minister laid a wreath at the memorial, the last post was sounded and two minutes' silence was observed in the memory of the courage and bravery of the nation's immortal soldiers who sacrificed their lives. (NDTV Photo)

President Pratibha Patil awarded three Ashok Chakras, the country's highest gallantry award in peacetime, ahead of the 60th Republic Day parade that started amid swirling clouds of mist. (NDTV Photo)

The Army showcased its impressive armoury before the nation which included the indigenous MBT Arjun, SMERCH Multiple Launch Rocket System and Armoured Engineer Recce Vehicle and Sarvatra Bridge. (NDTV Photo)

Indian Army tanks rolled through the fog during the Republic Day parade. Blanket fog obscured the start of the 60th Republic Day celebrations.(AFP Photo)

Seen here, the Naval Contingents in their winter ceremonials playing the captivating tone of 'Jai Bhartiya'.(NDTV Photo)

The Naval Tableau INS Shivalik, showcasing the Shivalik class of ship,a multi roll project designed by the Indian Navy Team that is to be inducted shortly.(NDTV Photo)

The various regiments of the Indian Armed Forces march in perfect unison along the Rajpath.(NDTV Photo)

This picture shows the vibrant contingent of Border Security Force on bedecked camels as they walk down Rajpath.(NDTV Photo)

Amongst the spectators of the parade were a number of children-- who were mesmerised by the vibrant and spectacular display of the heterogeneity of the Indian culture.(NDTV Photo)

Following the country's armed and police forces came the country's rich cultural diversity in full display in 21 tableaux -- 13 from states and eight from ministries.

Rajasthan came out with the Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory in Jaipur displaying sophisticated instruments.(NDTV Photo)

Karnataka showcased 'Pattada Kal', a world heritage site which is a fine example of temple architecture.(NDTV Photo)

One of the eye-catchers was Maharashtra's float 'Dabbawala', a common sight in Mumbai which showcases the life of Mumbai's signature office tiffin suppliers.

Dabbawala in CST railway station and an MBA student learning the working skills from the Dabbawala are some of themes in the tableau.(NDTV Photo)

Bihar brought to the parade the lovely silk from Bhagalpur . Bihar's 'Bhagalpur Ki Lok Sanskriti: Resham Udyog' tableau displayed the sleek and lustrous silk made by Bhagalpur weavers.(NDTV Photo)

The tableau form Manipur showcased Hiyang Tanaba -- the traditional boat race of Meiteis tribe.(AFP Photo)

Meghalaya's tableau showed its ingenious system of tapping of stream and spring water by using bamboo pipes.(NDTV Photo)

The tableau from Uttarakhand had 'samudra-manthan' or the churning of the divine sea, Har-ki-Pauri and Kumbh Mela as its theme.(NDTV Photo)

Jammu and Kashmir came up with a tableau depicting its handicraft, wood carving, willow-work and carpet weaving. (AFP Photo)

Culture Ministry and Sangeet Natak Akademi showcased the rich tradition of Indian music through musical instruments veena, shankha, dhumsa etc.(NDTV Photo)

Central Public Works Department (CPWD) highlighted the concerns about global warming through its tableau.(NDTV Photo)

Railways displayed its glorious past and triumph of new era through its steam locos and the latest Duronto Express trains.(NDTV Photo)

Rural Development depicted Indira Awaas Yojana through Gujarati style house under construction besides low cost homes from various parts of the country.(NDTV Photo)

Tribal Affairs Ministry had come up with a float on Forest Rights Act, 2006 and empowerment of tribal people.(AFP Photo)

The Youth Affairs and Sports ministry showcased the Commonwealth Games 2010, the first 'Green Games'. A bevy of sportspersons including legendary athletes Milkha Singh and P T Usha, former hockey captain player Zafar Iqbal, Badminton player Gopichand Pullela and shooter Samresh Jung were the stars accompanying the tableau.(NDTV Photo)

Children who won the national bravery awards walked in to a huge applause. Twenty-one children were selected for the award in 2010.

Six-hundred school children also performed during the parade. Rajasthani folk dance, aerobics and Tamang dance included in the students' performance.(AFP Photo)

Seen here are the children performing a dance form from Karnataka called 'Dolukunitha'.(NDTV Photo)

Taking inspiration from the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a dance drama called 'Viramheen Pravah' was performed by the school children as well.(NDTV Photo)

BSF motorcycle team 'Janbaz' performed a dare-devil display of their talents. They performed back riding, border man salute and ladder balancing.(NDTV Photo)

The spectacular parade ended with a flypast involving an IL-78, two AN-32 and two Dorniers in big boy formation, one AWACS and two SU-3- MKI in sentry formation and five Jaguars in arrowhead formation.

The flypast also had five Jaguars and five MiG29 in arrowhead formation and three SU-30 MKI in Trishul formation.(NDTV Photo)

South Korea's president Lee Myung Bak walks next to President Pratibha Patil as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh walks behind at the end of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.The South Korean President was the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade.(AFP Photo)