AsIndia celebrated its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, President Ram Nath Kovindunfurled the national flag and received the customary 21-gun salute at Rajpath.
The21-gun salute was presented by the Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regimentthat was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Jitender Singh Mehta.
Kovind,escorted by 46 President's Bodyguards raised in 1773 - on magnificent Bay andDark Bay coloured mounts, was welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whowore a traditional 'kurta-pajama' and sported a special turban from Jamnagar inGujarat.
Earlier,Modi paid solemn tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the National WarMemorial at the India Gate.
Afterunfurling the national flag, the first formation comprising of four Mi-17 V5helicopters of the 155 Helicopter Unit flew and showered flowers at the Rajpathand guests. The helicopters flew in a Wineglass formation.
Thereafter,India's military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress was ondisplay at the majestic Rajpath.
President,Vice President, Prime Minister and other dignitaries attended the parade atRajpath. The Republic Day parade showcases India's defence capabilities, thedifferent culture and traditions.
Thisyear there was no Chief Guest due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. UK PrimeMinister Boris Johnson was invited as the Chief Guest for Republic Daycelebrations but due to pandemic he could not come.
Inhis video message, Johnson said that he will visit in the coming months andwished India on the occasion citing it as the biggest sovereign democracy inthe world. "I was hugely looking forward to joining you for this importantoccasion at the kind invitation of my friend Prime Minister Modi, alas ourcommon struggle against Covid has kept me in London," said Johnson.
Indiais celebrating its 72nd Republic Day on Tuesday, honouring the historic datewhen the country completed its transition towards becoming an independentrepublic after its constitution came into effect.