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India’s military prowess and achievements in different fields, state-of-the-art defence, diverse cultural and social traditions and the government’s emphasis on self-reliance and indigenisation will be soon showcased at the Rajpath on the country’s 67th Republic Day. Francois Hollande, the President of France, will be the Chief Guest of the parade. The highlights of this year’s Republic Day parade will be that for the first time in the history of Republic Day parades, a 76-member French Army contingent led by a French military band comprising 48 musicians, will march on Rajpath and present a ceremonial salute to the President of India. After a gap of 26 years, an Army dog squad drawn from the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) will also take part, along with their handlers. [caption id=“attachment_2598780” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Screengrab.[/caption] Sticking to the 66-year-old tradition of the Republic Day celebrations, the colourful BSF Camel Regiment consisting of 56 camels led by Deputy Commandant Kuldeep J Choudhary will also march on the Rajpath. For the first time, the parade will see an ex-servicemen tableau where Army veterans will showcase their role in nation building. The Indian Army’s missile firing capability T-90 “Bhishma” tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP II (Sarath), Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Akash Weapon System, Smerch Launcher Vehicles and Integrated Communication Electronic Warfare System (ICEWS) will be the main draw in the mechanised columns. An Indian Air Force tableau, with the theme “Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations by IAF: In Service of the Nation and Beyond” will showcase models of C-17 Globemaster, C-130 Hercules and MI-17V5 aircraft, emphasising its use in the Force’s rescue and relief operations in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Yemen and Nepal. The Indian Navy’s tableau will have the theme “Empowering India through Maritime security and Indigenisation” displaying flight deck operations on the new aircraft carrier “Vikrant”, under construction at the Kochi Shipyard, and the indigenously constructed submarine “Kalvari” by Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai, having a “Made in India” tag on them. The parade ceremony will commence at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying homage to martyrs by laying a wreath. As per tradition, after unfurling of the National Flag, the National Anthem will be played with a 21-gun salute. The parade will then commence and the President will take the salute.The parade will be commanded by Lt General Rajan Ravindran, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area while Major General Rajesh Sahai, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Delhi Area will be the parade Second-in-Command. Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees will follow the Deputy Parade Commander on jeeps. The marching contingents of Army will include horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Parachute Regiment, the Corps of Signals, the Rajput Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles, the Assam Regiment, 11 Gorkha Rifles and Remount Veterinary Corps Dog Squad. The marching contingent of Navy comprising 144 young sailors will be led by Lieutenant Commander Anil Raina, while the Indian Air Force contingent comprising 144 men will be led by Flt Lt Ashish Mann. The Paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces will include contingents from the Border Security Force, Assam Rifles, Indian Coast Guard, an all women contingent of Central Reserve Police Force, Railway Protection Force, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme. Tableaux from 17 states and 6 Central Ministries and departments will present the varied historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country. They will also showcase country’s progress in different fields, particularly floats from Goa, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal and Assam.
As it happened: Army's dog squad, daredevils, colourful state tableux mark 67th Republic Day parade
The highlights of this year’s Republic Day parade will be that for the first time in the history of Republic Day parades, a 76-member French Army contingent led by a French military band comprising 48 musicians, will march on Rajpath and present a ceremonial salute to the President of India.
 "As it happened: Army's dog squad, daredevils, colourful state tableux mark 67th Republic Day parade")
The maritime activities in ancient Odisha coupled with popular folk dance Dalkhai of the state were showcased at the 67th Republic day parade on Rajpath here today. The tableau of Odisha presented the past maritime activities and its glorious tradition of Boita-Bandana festival.
Ancient Odisha, popularly known as Kalinga, was the epicenter of the inland and foreign trade and the tableau depicted that tradition. The VIP guests were given a glimpse of Dalkhai, a folk dance from Sambalpur of western Odisha. About 140 school girls from the capital presented a dance on Rajpath to the tune of the popular folk music of the state. Dalkhai dance depicts the culture and tradition of tribal girls.
Bauls of Bengal are a wandering minstrels community, which follows a distinctive spiritual and musical tradition that had its roots in Bhakti and Sufi movements. The Baul tradition was included in the list of ‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO in 2005. The folk singers, coming from both Hindu and Muslim communities, spread the ideals of peace, brotherhood and mystic philosophy through simple words and metaphors. Baul genre also conveys social messages in rural Bengal.
PTI
The Odisha Tableau
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 26, 2016
Theme: The Glorious Tradition of Boita Bandana #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/CYYh8Snli4
West Bengal's Tableau is on #Bauls of Bengal, wandering minstrels' community of Bengal #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/pANvDmkdR3
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 26, 2016
Here are few cool facts about the 67th Republic Day Parade:
- Dog Squads returned to the parade after 26 years.
- For the first time in Republic Day history foreign troops joined the celebrations: Soldiers from France’s 35th Infantry Regiment marched alongside their Indian counterparts.
- Daring female motorcyclists from the Women Daredevils Central Reserve Police Force and Rapid Action Force showed off their skills on Royal Enfields in front of the crowds at Rajpath.
- The camels, used to patrol the Thar Desert near the border with Pakistan, make the journey from Rajasthan every year to participate in the parade, accompanied by moustachioed border guards
(AFP)
Watch: Indian sportspersons, the likes of Sunil Gavaskar, Gagan Narang, Baichung Bhutia team up to sing the National Anthem.
#RDay2016 | Indian sports legends unite as a team for the National Anthemhttps://t.co/NetxRXbMyA
— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 26, 2016
In Hyderabad (Telangana), Venkaiah Naidu and Bandaru Dattatreya hoist the flag on Republic Day. In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa and Governor Konijeti Rosaiah salute the Indian flag.
#RDay2016 : Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu and Bandaru Dattatreya at #RepublicDay Celebrations in Hyderabad. pic.twitter.com/zmQxmvmMro
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
#RDay2016 : TN CM Jayalalithaa and Governor Konijeti Rosaiah at #RepublicDay Celebrations in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/SwP51NeU71
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
Watch these BSF Personnel dance and celebrate at Attari Border on Republic Day.
WATCH: BSF Personnel dance and celebrate #RepublicDay at Attari Borderhttps://t.co/aNlooBdjkO
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
BSF officials exchange sweets with Border Guards Bangladesh at Phulbari on the West Bengal border on the 67th Republic Day.
BSF officials exchange sweets with Border Guards Bangladesh(BGB) at Phulbari(WB) Border #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/1twS58Gjy4
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
Google Doodle celebrates 67th Republic Day with BSF camel contingent.
Google Doodle celebrates 67th Republic Day with BSF camel contingent – https://t.co/iZzrCSEzqI pic.twitter.com/kWuhZrnqjx
— Tech2 (@tech2eets) January 26, 2016
BSF commanders and Pakistani Rangers exchange sweet at the Attari border.
BSF officials exchange sweets with Pakistan Rangers at Attari Border #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/Ss4DBSdTgv
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay LIVE: People watch as 5 Jaguar aircrafts position in Arrowhead formation pic.twitter.com/Qg3B61dkOQ pic.twitter.com/XeFZ5PT4pT
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay LIVE: President’s Bodyguards arriving to escort the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces pic.twitter.com/41XDZsr1hc
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
And that’s all people..
The Republic Day parade ends. President Pranab Mukherjee, chief guest French President Francoise Hollande and PM Narendra Modi leave Rajpath.
Daredevils of the #CorpsofSignals #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/jBx9QpuTUS
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay Flypast: Precision at tremendous speed is on display; aerobatics with professional skills. pic.twitter.com/lx4IH3LijW
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
IAF presents a thundering show
The ‘Globe’ formation at RepublicDayParade comprised of one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30s. Five jaguar aircraft seen in an arrowhead formation.
The ‘Globe’ formation at #RepublicDayParade, comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30s pic.twitter.com/2A9sWxRZXh
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
After ‘very real’ Islamic State threat, Delhi turns into a fortress
The area around Central Delhi was turned into virtual fortress in view of intelligence inputs that terror groups may target some important installations in the city. Ahead of the Republic Day celebrations, central security agencies and NIA busted a module by arresting 14 militants linked to terror group Islamic State. The preparations come after a recent security review chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, where officials concluded there is a “very real” Islamic State threat for Republic Day when President Hollande will officiate as the chief guest at the parade.
The group had planned to carry out sensational strikes at important installations and its members had also visited the national capital, official sources said. Commandos with light machine guns were deployed at 10 strategic locations and anti-aircraft guns remained positioned at two vantage points in the capital.
The entire region of Central and New Delhi had nearly 50,000 security personnel drawn from Delhi Police and central security forces guarding every nook and corner.
#RepublicDay: LIVE Now
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
Corps of Signals has 4 world records to its credit & 8 records in #Limca Book of Records. pic.twitter.com/j8lVs2a9qV
Motor cycle display team of Corps of Signals, popularly known as the ‘Dare Devils’ put on a rivetting show at the Rajpath.
#RepublicDay: LIVE Now
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
Motor cycle display team of Corps of Signals, popularly known as the “Dare Devils” pic.twitter.com/W2wW96us3k
This year's Republic Day tableaux from different states very uninspiring & boring.More like what u would expect from small town high schools
— Madhu Purnima Kishwar (@madhukishwar) January 26, 2016
Pranab Mukherjee appears to nod off
President Pranab Mukherjee… ermm… well… at Republic Day Parade.
The tableux showcasing The Digital India Campaign march down the Rajpath.
Success of Panchayati Raj tableux showed the success of women representatives in the rural bodies.
Meanwhile, social media was having its own fun.
Digital India's float was designed on mspaint.
— Gabbar (@GabbbarSingh) January 26, 2016
They should also auction bids for some sponsored tableaux. And give me some money for floating the idea.
— Rahul Roushan (@rahulroushan) January 26, 2016
Tableau of Ministry of Social Justice depicts the 125th Anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.
#RepublicDay: Now the tableau of #TamilNadu! representing the #Toda tribe of Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/XOUOzoudJT
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay : PM @narendramodi at the parade pic.twitter.com/Sj7NX2B2g3
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay: Uttarakhand's Tableau depicts the festival of #Ramman based on the story of ‘Ramayana’ pic.twitter.com/yohaQnG2Ax
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#UttarPradesh's tableau features Zardozi – the Unique Art of Embroidery #RepublicDayParade pic.twitter.com/ubwl5FirGR
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay: Tableau of Ministry of Social Justice depicts the 125th Anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji #Ambedkar pic.twitter.com/2EtdT9D9Rd
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
Toda tribe of Tamil Nadu showcased
The tableux was pretty unique with the state showcasing one of their oldest tribes.
#RepublicDay: Tableau of #Karnataka is on "Kodagu: The Coffee Land of Karnataka" pic.twitter.com/WbTNa8p4AK
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay: West Bengal's Tableau is on #Bauls of Bengal,
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
wandering minstrels' community of Bengal pic.twitter.com/9AWx53Ocfs
#RepublicDay: Tableau of #Bihar State presents #Champaran Movement of 1917 pic.twitter.com/xTGFPULrID
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
The Asiatic Lions of Gujarat at Rajpath! For #RepublicDayParade pic.twitter.com/QevTYfNQE3
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay: Tableau of #Karnataka is on "Kodagu: The Coffee Land of Karnataka" pic.twitter.com/WbTNa8p4AK
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay: The tableau of #Chhattisgarh depicts Khairagarh Music and Art University pic.twitter.com/w8FZHf45op
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
West Bengal’s tableux displays Baul singers. Baul singers of Bengal are recognised by the Unesco.
Bihar’s tableux depicted the indigo plantations of the state while Karnataka highlighted the facr that it is the largest coffee producing city. Madhya Pradesh’s tableux displays their flourishing wildlife.
#RepublicDay: Gujarat's tableau depicts some rare and exotic varieties along with Sidi community, settled in the #Gir forest.
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay: Rajasthan's tableau showcases “Hawa Mahal” not as a monument, but as a “lively Building” pic.twitter.com/7rPcBEgNkf
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
State tableux make their way down Rajpath
First Goa, then Gujarat and then Sikkim. Tableux from various states made their way down the Rajpath. After Sikkim, Jammu and Kashmir and then Rajasthan showcased their culture and heritage.
The Tripura tableux stole the show which depicts the state’s ancient monuments.
#BSF presents its Camel Mounted Band, at #RepublicDayParade pic.twitter.com/yWZtuB2EGw
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay: Railway Protection Force Band consisting of 92 personnel is marching now with the tune ‘Vijay Bharat' pic.twitter.com/2NlQjcDwzI
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
The #BSF Camel Contingent!
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
At #RepublicDayParade pic.twitter.com/ZwymN9LZrO
The Republic Day marks the day when India’s constitution came into force on January 26, 1950 declaring India a democratic Republic. The date is the anniversary of Purna Swaraj Day held on January 26, 1930.
Apart from the effort and time invested in rolling out the columns and colourful tableau, there is also a huge financial cost involved. According to reports and Right To Information (RTI) reply from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) the centre spent Rs 320 crore on the parade in 2014. In 2001, the expenditure was Rs 145 crore and kept increasing over time.
#RepublicDay: ‘Sentinels of the North-East’ - Major Vivek Bhanot is leading the #AssamRifles' marching contingent. pic.twitter.com/KO19enJH9C
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
One of a kind
The BSF camel band is one of it s kind in the world. The contingent consists of 34 camels and was raised in 1986.
Now, Assam Rifles march down. The band of the Assam Rifles also won the best band award at the All India Police meet.
#BSF band at #RepublicDayParade pic.twitter.com/YBcksMH9bu
— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2016
Indian Air Force tableu
The theme for the IAF tableu was humanitarian assistance.
Watching #RepublicDay Parade
— Seema Gusain (@GusainSeema) January 26, 2016
— feeling proud. pic.twitter.com/r0IfgJOtm5
Army’s dog squad takes a march down the Rajpath
Indian Army’s dog squad return to the Republic Day parade after 26 years. The dogs, dressed in scarfs which will remind you of the Griffindor colour-scheme, stole the show when they took a walk down the Rajpath on Republic Day.
Naval marching contingent of 144 sailors march down led by three women platoon commanders.
An Aerial view of India Gate #RepublicDay #RDay2016 https://t.co/r1cvniIVq4 pic.twitter.com/m2XENxnrzU
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) January 26, 2016
Brahmos Missile showcased
Tank T-90 Bhishm, Indian Army’s main battle tanks, displayed at Rajpath. It can fire four types of ammunition.T-90 Bhishm, Indian Army’s main battle tanks, displayed at Rajpath. It can fire four types of ammunition.
Brahmos missile at Rajpath #RepublicDay
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) January 26, 2016
LIVE updates: https://t.co/AV5bWrQvXi pic.twitter.com/UTiMhwaNN3
Show of might
Akash weapon system for the first time took part in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and is a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the DRDO.
The Akash Weapon System of 27 air defence regiment led by Major Neha Singh also participated in the parade. This is the first indigenously deveopled air defence system capable of firing short range surface to air missile. The regiment had taken part in the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan war, Operation Rakshak-II, Operation Sahayata.
Greetings to all my fellow Indians on #RepublicDay -Home Minister Rajnath Singh #RDay2016 pic.twitter.com/pWQb3HHZEQ
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
French Military Band marches down
For the first time in the history of Republic Day parades, a 76-member French Army contingent led by a French military band comprising 48 musicians, marched on Rajpath and presented a ceremonial salute to the President of India.
#RepublicDay celebrations: President Pranab Mukherjee confers Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra at Rajpath, Delhi
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
MI-17 display at Rajpath
Parade Commander Lt gen Rajan Ravindran, who has been in service for 37 years, is leading this year Republic Day celebrations. MI-17 helicopters were displayed at the parade before winners of Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra and any other gallantry awards march down the Rajpath.
Leading the parade, Parade Commander Lt. Gen. Rajan Ravindran | #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/1wQCxt5BgU
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) January 26, 2016
President Pranab Mukherjee hoists National Flag at Rajpath, Delhi #RepublicDay
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
PM Narendra Modi and Republic Day Chief Guest French President François Hollande at #RepublicDay celebrations pic.twitter.com/OHPyJYrNRn
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Goswami
President Mukherjee conferred deceased soldier Lance Naik Goswami with the bravery award Ashok Chakra.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi arrives at the memorial on Rajpath and pays tribute to the unknown soldiers who have lost their lives fighting for the nation.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Minister of State Defence Rao Inderjit Singh, along with the three service chiefs – Chief of the Army Staff General Dalbir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan is also present.
#RepublicDay Celebrations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Amar Jawan Jyoti (Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/Rpowsl3zSA
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
#RepublicDay Celebrations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Amar Jawan Jyoti (Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/V9DhpSQlRj
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2016
Service chiefs pay tributes at Amar Jawan Jyoti
Three service chiefs pay tributes to martyrs of the armed forces at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate in New Delhi. Service chiefs and defence minister Amar Jawan Jyoti await Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the India Gate.
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