New Delhi/Mumbai, Jan 26 (UNI) From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from the land of the rising sun Arunachal Pradesh to the Rann of Kutch, India celebrated the 71st Republic Day with gaiety and fervour
The country's soft power and military might were showcased at historic Rajpath.
Along with the nation's cultural diversity, Akash and Astra missiles, anti-satellite weapon – Mission Shakthi, Army’s battle tank Bhishma, infantry combat vehicles, and Air Forces newly inducted Chinook and Apache helicopters were displayed.
Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday exhibited its tableau for the first time since it was declared an Union Territory.
Themed on J&K government's 'Back to Village' programme, the tableau received a great response.
President Ram Nath Kovind hosted this year's chief guest President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to over 25,000 fallen soldiers at the newly-built National War Memorial before the outset of the majestic parade on Rajpath.
Indian tricolour flew high in chilly Arabian skies as the nation's diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia celebrated Republic Day. Many prominent Indians from across the states took part in the celebrations with enthusiasm. Indian envoys read out President Ram Nath Kovind's address to the nation.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the main function in Srinagar was organised at S K cricket Stadium at high security Sonawar area of the city.
Women students, mostly from Jammu, also participated in the march past. 'We were very excited to take part in the RD function in Srinagar,' they said, adding some of us have come to Srinagar for the first time.
Jammu also celebrated the first function of Republic Day after the creation of Union Territory with fanfare and enthusiasm.
Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu hoisted the Tricolour at Maulana Azad Stadium.
Mr Murmu inspected the parade and took salute to the march past presented by different contingents of security forces, defence, NCC cadets, schools and others.
The Republic Day was celebrated by Frontier Headquarter, BSF Jammu and other BSF formations with full fervour and enthusiasm. N S Jamwal, IG BSF unfurled the National flag at BSF stadium, Paloura in the presence of officers and Jawans.
Mobile service of all Cellular companies, train services were suspended for security reasons in Kashmir valley. The Sunday market also remained closed for security reasons.
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