India celebrates 64th Republic Day

Indian paramilitary soldiers march during Republic Day celebrations, in New Delhi. The country celebrates Republic day to commemorate the 1950 adoption of its constitution. The celebrations include military marches and display of weaponry, cultural pageants and dances.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the top military brass watch the impressive march-past.

The country's rich cultural heritage and military prowess on display at the 64th Republic Day parade.

The long range ballistic Agni-V missile displayed during the Republic Day parade.

President Pranab Mukherjee, also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, takes the salute for the first time after assuming office in July last year.

The 5,500-5,800 km ballistic Agni-V missile mounted on a road mobile launcher paraded by the Defence Research & Development Organisation.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force laid wreaths at 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', an eternal flame in the memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation, before the parade began.

A mini version of INS Vikramaditya which will join the Naval fleet by the end of this year was part of the parade which highlighted Indian Navy's blue water operating capability.

The sates and different departments showcase their rich cultural diversity in 19 tableaux.

A hawk's eye view of the crowds gathered to watch the Republic Day parade.

The West Bengal tableau pays tributes to the "ethereal thinker-patriot-saint" Swami Vivekananda, whose 150th birth anniversary will be celebrated this year. Vivekananda is depicted as one who is propagating the message "truth is one but the wise call it by different names".

Camel mounted Indian Border Security Force soldiers in their ceremonial uniform march during Republic Day celebrations.

Indian soldiers march during Republic Day celebrations.

Indian students dressed in traditional clothing perform a Purulia Chhau dance during the Republic Day parade.

Indian soldiers and their bands march during Republic Day celebrations.

Indian military motorcycle stunt riders dressed in the color of the national flag perform during the annual Republic Day parade.

Indian Army vehicles travel in formation during the parade.

Indian students dressed in traditional clothing perform a dance.

Huge crowds gathered to watch the parade on Republic Day.

Indian Para military soldiers and their bands march during Republic Day celebrations.

The BrahMos missile launchers are displayed during Republic Day parade.