Republic Day 2020 Highlights: Parade ends with gravity-defying vertical Charlie by Sukhoi 30 MKI; in a first, Chinook choppers, all-women bike stunts stun audience

President Ram Nath Kovind, Jair Bolsonaro leave from Rajpath, tricolour balloons are released

Tricolour balloons are released into the sky at the end of the parade. President Ram Nath Kovind and chief guest and Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro leave from Rajpath after the National Anthem.

Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, leave as the #RepublicDay parade concludes pic.twitter.com/qqoaDu5PtD

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Sukhoi 30 MKS performs gravity-defying vertical Charlie

The gravity-defying manoeuvre by the aircraft brought the Republic Day parade to an end

Delhi: A lone Su-30MKI flies at a speed of 900 km/hr and splits the sky with a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is being
piloted by Wing Commander Yathartha Johri along with Flight Lieutenant S Mishra. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/elUhceBqmW

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Sukhoi 30MKIs in Trishul manoeuvre, Jaguar jets in Arrowhead formation enthrall audiences

Sukhoi 30MKIs of Indian Air Force execute the ‘Trishul’ manoeuvre. The formation is being led by Group Captain Nishit Ohri. The captains of the other two aircraft are Wing Commander Nilesh Dixit and Wing Commander Karan Dogra.

Five Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft, in ‘Arrowhead’ formation fly past at a speed of 780 kmph. The formation is led by Group Captain Parijat Saurabh. 

Delhi: Su-30 MKIs of Indian Air Force execute the
'Trishul' manoeuvre. The formation is being led by Group
Captain Nishit Ohri. The captains of the other two aircraft are Wing Commander Nilesh Dixit and Wing Commander Karan Dogra. pic.twitter.com/RMp1VmdHOE

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Delhi: 5 Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft, in ‘Arrowhead’ formation fly past at a speed of 780 kmph. The formation is led by Group Captain Parijat Saurabh. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/RGsQwRYHlK

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Apache helicopters part of flypast, Dornier jets fly in Vic formation

Five Apache helicopters flying in the formation led by Group Captain Mannarath Shylu VM, Commanding Officer 125 Helicopter Squadron.

Wing Commander SK Chauhan leads the ‘Vic’ formation, comprising three Dornier aircraft. The captains of the other two aircraft are Squadron Leader Vikas Kumar and Squadron Leader Abhishek Vashisht. 

Delhi: 5 Apache helicopters flying in, the formation is led by Group Captain Mannarath Shylu VM, Commanding Officer 125 Helicopter Squadron. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/HCTW8MboFc

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Delhi: Wing Commander SK Chauhan leads the 'Vic' formation, comprising three Dornier aircraft. The captains of the other two aircraft are Squadron Leader Vikas Kumar and Squadron Leader Abhishek Vashisht. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/0DIo2rlBEr

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

ALH, Chinook helicopters begin much-awaited flypast

Trishul formation, comprising of three ALH helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation. This is the first time that a tri-service formation is taking part in the Republic Day.

Additionally, three Chinook helicopters took part in the Republic Day parade for the first time after being inducted last year.

Republic Day parade at Rajpath, Delhi: Trishul’ formation, comprising of 3 ALH helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation. This is 1st time that a “Tri-service Formation” is taking
part in the Republic Day pic.twitter.com/rdgyMxlnZ2

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

All-women contingent performs gravity-defying motorcycle stunts for first time

In a first, the daredevil stunts have been performed by an all-women contingent at the Republic Day parade. 21 women on five motorcycles make a human pyramid. Assistant Sub Inspector Anita Kumari VV leads this formation.

Delhi: 21 women on five motorcycles make a human pyramid. Assistant Sub Inspector Anita Kumari VV leads this formation. pic.twitter.com/3Ozl28j4MO

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

CRPF head constable, inspector lead daredevil stunts at Rajpath

Inspector Seema Nag, salutes standing on top of a  moving motorcycle. Head Constable Meena Chaudhary is displaying the ready position to fire two pistols
in both her hands while balancing herself on the motorcycle.

Delhi: Inspector Seema Nag, salutes standing on top of a moving motorcycle. Head Constable Meena Chaudhary is displaying the ready position to fire two pistols
in both her hands while balancing herself on the motorcycle. pic.twitter.com/VtqRRHgaJd

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

School children perform dances from Gujarat, Rajasthan, West Bengal

West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur presented the Garba, a folk dance of Gujarat. The children from Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya B-Block, JanakPuri, New Delhi perform on the theme ‘Mharo Rang Rangilo Rajasthan’.

The cultural show be led by Arvind Gupta DAV Centenary Public School, Model Town, Delhi on the theme ‘Yog – Vishwa Shakti ki Ore’. ‘The Baul’, a group of mystic minstrels from the historical Bengal region, is the theme of Vinay Nagar Bengali Senior Secondary School, Sarojini Nagar, Delhi.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses Garba, the folk dance of Gujarat, being performed at Rajpath by 150 girls from different schools of the state . pic.twitter.com/ubL5dxAaaR

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Dhanush gun system part of Republic Day parade for first time

The ‘Dhanush’ gun system, commanded by Capt. Mrigank Bharadwaj, was part of the Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath for the first time. The 155mm/45 Caliber Dhanush gun system is a towed Howitzer designed indigenously by the Ordinance Factory Board.

The gun with a maximum range of 36.5 km has the capability of automatic gun alignment and positioning. The gun, which is equipped with inertial navigation system and advanced gun sighting system, has been designed to meet futuristic requirements of the Army.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar pass by saluting dais in jeeps

The children were conferred the award for exceptional achievements in the fields of bravery, social service, art and culture, sports, innovation and scholastic. It will be followed by children’s pageant comprising over 600 participants.

Delhi: Recipients of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar 2020, participate in #RepublicDay parade. 49 children, including 18 girls&31 boys, have received the award this yr. The awards are given in fields of bravery,innovation, scholastic,sports,arts,culture,social service,music pic.twitter.com/npfAGkdrqe

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Horticultural tableau shows Dal Lake, Sanchi Stupa

CPWD horticulture tableau’s theme this year is ‘Kashmir se Kanyakumari’. It shows a memorial of Swami Vivekananda in Kanyakumari, a ‘Shikara’ on the Dal lake and the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh.

Delhi: CPWD horticulture tableau's theme is 'Kashmir se Kanyakumari'-shows memorial of Swami Vivekananda Kanyakumari, a 'Shikara' on the Dal lake and the Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh pic.twitter.com/NuRYxVmkvU

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Jammu and Kashmir’s Back to Village tableau

The tableau of Jammu and Kashmir being showcased at the Republic Day parade. Jammu and Kashmir government’s ‘Back to Village’ program is the theme of the union territory’s tableau and focusses on education in the Union Territory, especially in parts heavily impacted by terrorism.

Delhi: The tableau of Jammu and Kashmir being showcased at the #RepublicDay parade. Jammu and Kashmir government’s ‘Back to Village’ program is the theme of the union territory's tableau, this year. pic.twitter.com/URFbGnP7K8

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Odisha tableau shows state’s architecture

The tableau of Odisha shows the Rukuna Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraja. Rajasthan Meghalaya, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh were among the other states whose tableaux were at Rajpath.

Delhi: The tableau of #Odisha shows the Rukuna Ratha Yatra of Lord Lingaraja. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/7RIon5NF9l

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

The tableaux of Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh at the #RepublicDay parade in Delhi pic.twitter.com/BS6xEeWsUN

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Kullu Dussehra festival highlight of Himachal Pradesh

Tableau of Himachal Pradesh showcases the Kullu Dussehra festival and the tableau of Madhya Pradesh depicts the Tribal Museum of state.

Delhi: Tableau of Himachal Pradesh showcases
the Kullu Dussehra festival and the tableau of Madhya Pradesh depicts the Tribal Museum of state. pic.twitter.com/IDb5UlYNEZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Telangana, Assam tableaux depict festivals, crafts from states

Telangana tableaux depicts Bathukamma, a floral festival of the state and tableaux of Assam depicts bamboo and cane crafts from the state.

Delhi: Telangana tableaux depicts Bathukamma, a floral festival of the state and tableaux of Assam depicts bamboo and cane crafts from the state. pic.twitter.com/JMUNwXWb74

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Mobile phone, internet services snapped in Jammu and Kashmir

Mobile phone services were snapped in Kashmir on Sunday as a precautionary measure for ensuring smooth passage of Republic Day celebrations in the valley, PTI reported. While mobile internet services were suspended hours after their restoration on Saturday, mobile phone connectivity was suspended in the early hours of Sunday.

Suspension of mobile phone and Internet services on Republic and Independence days has been part of the security drill in the valley since 2005 when militants used a mobile phone to trigger an IED blast near the venue of Independence day celebrations.

State tableaux start descending along Rajpath

Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Goa are among the states whose colourful and culturaly rich tableaux are on display at the parade this year.

Delhi: Tableaux of different states have begun at the #RepublicDay parade. Brazilian President Jair Messias Bolsonaro (pic 2) is the Chief Guest at the celebrations this year. pic.twitter.com/nrWpvhm3ft

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Birla Balika Vidyapeeth’s band participates in parade for 56th consecutive year

Birla Balika Vidyapeeth, Pilani’s band is led by Senior Under Officer Charu Surana. The school has been continuously participating in the Republic Day parade for 56 years consecutively.

Delhi: Birla Balika Vidyapeeth, Pilani's band is led by Senior Under Officer Charu Surana. The school has been continuously participating in the Republic Day parade for 56 years consecutively. pic.twitter.com/alxiPG4JOe

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

BSF’s Camel, NCC, NSS contingents bring in a show of colour and youth

The Camel Contingent of Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh.  BSF’s motto is ‘Duty unto Death’; There are over 75 different dress items which are necessary to ceremonially dress the camels and riders of the Force. There are over 75 different dress items which are necessary to ceremonially dress the camels and riders of the Force.

The National Service Scheme (NSS) contingent comprised 148 volunteers. The National Cadet Corps (NCC) Boys Marching contingent led by Commander Junior Under-Officer Charandeep Singh Bhaduria, NCC Directorate Uttar Pradesh, while the Girls contingent will be headed by Senior Under-Officer Shreeshma Hegde, NCC Directorate, Karnataka and Goa.

Delhi: The Camel Contingent of Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh. BSF's motto is ‘Duty unto Death’; There are over 75 different dress items which are necessary to ceremonially dress the camels and riders of the Force pic.twitter.com/PtfjTzZFL1

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Indian Navy contingent showcases aircraft, submarine

The Indian Navy showcases its assets like Boeing P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft and the Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class submarine. The indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant under construction at the Cochin Shipyard.

Delhi: The Indian Navy showcases its assets like Boeing P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol aircraft and the Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class submarine. The indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant under construction at the Cochin Shipyard. pic.twitter.com/SCO8NRFKuD

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

CRPF, ITBP, BSF contingent march past saluting dais

The contingents of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Police and Border Security Force (BSF) marched in the parade at Rajpath.

The Indian Coast Guard marching contingent led by Deputy Commandant Gaurav Sharma. The motto of the Indian Coast Guard is ‘VayamRakshamah’ meaning ‘We Protect’.

Naval, Air Force Bands, DRDO, veterans give salute to President

Amogn other contingents that gave their salute to President Ram Nath Kovind were those of the defence veterans, Air force and Naval Bands and the DRDO.

Delhi: The display of Naval Brass Brand at the #RepublicDay parade at Rajpath. pic.twitter.com/dORZF1mgSM

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Fourth generation woman Army officer leader Corps of Signals

The marching contingent of the Corps of Signals is led by Captain Tanya Shergil, a fourth generation Army Officer. The motto of the Corps is “Teevra Chaukas”.

Delhi: The marching contingent of the Corps of Signals is led by Captain Tanya Shergil, a fourth generation Army Officer. The motto of the Corps is “Teevra Chaukas” #RepublicDay2020 pic.twitter.com/fAEJ0k6XkZ

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Defence regiments pass by saluting dais

Sikh Light Infantry Regiment is led by Major Anjum Gorka of 6th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment. The motto of the Regiment is ‘Deg Teg Fateh’ and the war cry is ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal’.

The battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, is commanded by Captain Sunny Chahar of 86 Armoured Regiment at the Rajpath. The K-9 VAJRA-T commanded by Captain Abhinav Sahu of 269 Medium Regiment and Advanced Light Helicopters- Weapon System Integrated Rudra and 2 Advanced Light Helicopters, Dhruv of Army Aviation in ‘Diamond’ formation had the crowds in awe.

Delhi: Sikh Light Infantry Regiment is led by Major Anjum Gorka of 6th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry
Regiment. The motto of the Regiment is ‘Deg Teg Fateh’
and the war cry is ‘Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Shri Akal’. pic.twitter.com/B7B6k4Qjui

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

President Kovind accorded 21-gun salute

The 21 Gun Salute was presented by 2233 Field Battery under the command of Lieutenant Colonel C Sandeep. On Republic Day every year, a 21-gun salute is given to the National Flag and the President during the Flag Hoisting Ceremony.

Delhi: The 21 Gun Salute is presented by 2233 Field
Battery under the command of Lieutenant Colonel C Sandeep. pic.twitter.com/u8UmzuL8x9

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra awardees honoured at Rajpath

After the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra awardees, the highest peacetime gallantry awards in India, the first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers is 61 Cavalry was led by Captain Deepanshu Sheoran. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on 1 August, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces’ cavalry units.

IAF’s Mi-17 V5 helicopters begin parade

IAF’s Mi-17 V5 helicopters shower flower petals on the crowds. Parade Commander, Lt Gen Asit Mistry gives salute to President.

President Ram Nath Kovind takes National Salute at Rajpath

In the high-security enclosure at Rajpath, President Ram Nath Kovind took the National Salute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also present as the National Anthem plays and the tricolour is unfurled.

Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind accompanied by President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, arrive at Rajpath. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/mzaTEwxcp3

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

PM Modi arrives at Rajpath for Republic Day parade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajpath and is welcomed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Modialso welcomes Vice PResident M Venkaiah Naidu.

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajpath where #RepublicDay parade will begin shortly. pic.twitter.com/GaXTxpEyWA

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Ram Nath Kovind, Jair Bolsonaro to arrive for Republic Day parade soon

President of India Ram Nath Kovind and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, the chief guest for this year’s Republic Day parade will be welcomed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Delhi: President of India Ram Nath Kovind and President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro, the chief guest for this year's #RepublicDay, to shortly arrive at Rajpath. pic.twitter.com/5QryQ6M9qo

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Woman power at the Republic Day parade

Tania Shergill, a young Army officer who grew up in a family where for generations men had lived their life serving the nation in olive green uniform, will be leading an all-men contingent comprising 147 personnel on Republic Day.

Major Sheena Nayyar will lead a contingent of the transportable satellite terminal. The system provides the fail-safe secure communication to the forces on the move.

Additionally, an all-women team of CRPF will showcase their daredevil skills at Rajpath.

Crowds gather along Rajpath to watch the Republic Day Parade

President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro will soon reach the venue to take start Republic Day celebrations.

Delhi: Crowds in large numbers have arrived at Rajpath to witness the 71st #RepublicDay parade. pic.twitter.com/AC36aX2gM6

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Republic Day celebrations held in Bhubaneswar

Republic Day celebrations were held at the Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bhubaneswar. Earlier this morning, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hoisted the national flag.

Odisha: #RepublicDay celebrations underway at Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bhubaneswar pic.twitter.com/fRCjJZXLhk

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Modi pays tributes to National War Memorial

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawwan Jyoti or the eternal flame at the National War Memorial. He is flanked by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

Delhi: PM Modi leads the nation in paying tributes to soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty, by laying a wreath at National War Memorial. CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh, Air Force Chief Air Marshal RKS Bhaduria present. pic.twitter.com/CGTWo2Co4Y

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Narendra Modi’s reaches National War Memorial

The National War Memorial has been built as a tribute to the soldiers killed during the Indo-China War in 1962, the Indo-Pak Wars in 1947, 1965 and 1971, the Kargil Conflict in 1999, and the Indian Peace Keeping Force Operations in Sri Lanka. It was inaugurated in February last year. It’s structure comprises in four concentric circles or chakras:

• The Amar Chakra (circle of immortality): The ‘Amar Chakra’ comprises a15-metre tall obelisk and the eternal flame.
• The Veerta Chakra (circle of bravery): The ‘Veerta Chakra’ is about the six important battles of the army, air force and navy, which have been depicted in bronze.
• The Tyag Chakra (circle of sacrifice): The ‘Tyag Chakra’ holds the names of about 25,700 battle casualties which have been written on a 1.5 metre wall.
• The Rakshak Chakra (circle of protection): The outermost tier is the ‘Suraksha Chakra’, comprising 695 trees depicting ‘standing soldiers guarding.

India’s first President Rajendra Prasad led the first Republic Day Parade in 1950

The first Republic Day parade was held in 1950 and was presided over by India’s first President after Independence Rajendra Prasad.

The maiden President of #India #RajendraPrasad, at the first #RepublicDay Parade

YT: https://t.co/DDAPXhHpdd
FB: https://t.co/ykJcYlvi5b#RepublicDay2020 #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/dFtpsnSKbr

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2020

Constitution being attacked through ‘deep-rooted’ conspiracy, says Sonia Gandhi

Congress president Sonia Gandhi urged people on the eve of Republic Day to rise above personal prejudices and stand united to protect the Constitution and its values, claiming that they are being attacked through a “deep-rooted” conspiracy.

“A deep-rooted conspiracy has been hatched to set a discourse to divide countrymen based on religion, regionalism and language as also to subvert and undermine the Constitution. An unprecedented atmosphere of disturbance, fear and insecurity has been foisted upon the country. The common citizen is convinced that the constitutional values are no longer safe in the hands of the present dispensation,” she said.

She urged people to rise above personal prejudices and parochial political gains, and take a renewed pledge towards nation building. “Today, the Constitution and its values are being attacked by way of a concerted and vicious conspiracy. Constitutional principles are being systematically encroached upon as also the independence of Constitutional institutions is being scuttled at the whims of autocratic authoritarianism,” Gandhi said.

Traffic restrictions in place in Delhi; Metro schedules partially modified

The Delhi Traffic Police has put in place certain restrictions on the movement of traffic in the national capital ahead of the Republic Day parade. According to the advisory, no cross-traffic will be allowed on Rajpath from 11 pm on Saturday at Rafi Marg, Janpath and Mansingh Road till the Republic Day Parade is over.

The C-Hexagon around India Gate will remain closed from 2 am on 26 January till the end of the parade. Besides, traffic on Tilak Marg, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg and Netaji Subhash Road will not be allowed from 5 am till the parade is over, it said.

The Delhi Metro schedules on Yellow Line (HUDA City Centre to Samaypur Badli), and Violet Line (Kashmere Gate to Raja Nahar Singh) have also been partially modified for Sunday. The entry and exit at Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan Metro stations will remain closed till 12 noon. All the Metro parking lots will remain closed till 2 pm.

Hymn ‘Abide With Me’ dropped from list of Beating Retreat tunes

The defence ministry has dropped the traditional Christian hymn Abide With Me from the list of tunes to be played during the Beating Retreat ceremony and may be replaced with Vande Mataram, reports claimed.

The tune, which has been played at the annual ceremony at Delhi’s Vijay Chowk since 1950, usually marks the end of the ceremony, after which the bands play Sare Jahan Se Acha. Abide with Me, written in the 19th Century by Scottish poet Henry Francis Lyte and composed by William Henry Monk, was believed to be a favourite of Mahatma Gandhi’s.

BJP chief JP Nadda, Rajnath Singh celebrate Republic Day

BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda hoisted the tricolour at party headquarters, while Defence Minister Rajanth Singh and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unfurled the national flag at their respective residence. Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik led celebrations in Bhubaneswar and Panaji respectively.

Delhi: BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda hoists the tricolour at party headquarters on #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/t6XI7qQgyf

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

WATCH | Republic Day celebrations at minus 20 degrees Celsius

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel celebrated Republic Day at 17,000 feet in extremely cold conditions. The temperature in Ladakh at present is minus 20 degrees Celsius. Also called Himveers, the personnel unfurled the national flag and chanted ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’.

#WATCH Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel with the national flag celebrating Republic Day at 17000 feet in snow today. The temperature in Ladakh at present is minus 20 degrees Celsius. 'Himveers' chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram'. pic.twitter.com/ANCe8txnFI

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Chennai’s witnesses Republic Day parade

A Republic Day parade is underway at Kamarajar Road off Marina Beach in Chennai. Earlier, Tamil Nadu Governor, Chief Minister and deputy Chief Minister had started the Republic Day celebrations with a flag-hoisting ceremony.

Chennai: Republic Day parade underway at Kamarajar Road off Marina Beach pic.twitter.com/gB7zLY9fE5

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Over 10,000 security forces deployed to keep vigil over Republic Day celebrations today

Over ten thousand security personnel have been deployed to keep vigil over the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, said officials. Sharpshooters and snipers have been deployed atop high-rise buildings to keep watch on the eight-km-long parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort, they said

The celebration venue Rajpath will remain inaccessible to general traffic till 12 noon, till when the entry and exit gates of the Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Patel Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg metro stations too will remain closed, beginning from 8.45 am.

The Delhi police has also installed its facial recognition devices at all entry gates of the R-Day celebration venue to identify miscreants and suspects, said officials.

Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, other Union minister greet people on Republic Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to countrymen on the occasion of 71st Republic Day.  “Wishing everyone a happy #RepublicDay. Jai Hind,” he tweeted.

The prime minister was joined by Union ministers in wishing people on the micro-blogging site.  Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, “Greetings to all Indians on 71st Republic Day”.

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ said, “On the occasion of Republic Day, I congratulate students, parents and all related to the education sector.” “Wishing everyone a happy #RepublicDay,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted, “Greetings and good wishes on the occasion of 71st Republic Day.  #RepublicDay #Indian”

Wishing everyone a happy #RepublicDay.

सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की बहुत-बहुत बधाई।

जय हिंद!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020

सभी देशवासियों को 71वें गणतंत्र दिवस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।

Greetings to all Indians on 71st Republic Day. pic.twitter.com/BRn4YB5q0h

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) January 26, 2020

Tricolour unfurled at Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh

The tricolour flag was unfurled at Shaheen Bagh in New Delhi on Sunday. Demonstrations have been ongoing in the area since 15 December 2019, and protestors have blocked Kalindi Kunj-Shaheen Bagh stretch to protest against the new citizenship law.

Recently, the Delhi High Court asked the Delhi Police to look into the matter of blockage of Kalindi Kunj road blockage which was causing an inconvenience to commuters, due to the protest at Shaheen Bagh.

Delhi: The tricolour unfurled at Shaheen Bagh, on #RepublicDay today. pic.twitter.com/6kEVz4iAQu

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to be chief guest at 71st Republic Day parade amid tight security

With the 71st Republic Day celebrations set to begin here shortly, the entire national capital has been put under a multi-layered, ground-to-air security cover with thousands of armed personnel keeping a tight vigil over it, including the celebration venue Rajpath.

Aided by dozens of drones in the air and hundreds of CCTV cameras and facial recognition devices, besides several anti-aircraft guns on the ground, the security personnel are keeping a hawk-eyed vigil over Rajpath, where President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be celebrating the occasion along with chief guest, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and other dignitaries, besides thousands of citizens.

President of Brazil, Jair Messias Bolsonaro to witness #RepublicDay parade as the chief guest, today. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/cRQtBQPNkz

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Tamil Nadu Governor, CM Palaniswami present at flag-hoisting ceremony at Chennai

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurled the national flag on Republic Day in Chennai. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam were also present.

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurls the national flag on #RepublicDay2020; Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam also present pic.twitter.com/SxaGVYoQC5

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Pune students create portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau

More than 4,000 students gathered to create large portraits of the national flag, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau and Tanaji Malusare in Pune

Maharashtra: More than 4000 students gathered to create large portraits of the national flag, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Rajmata Jijau, & Tanaji Malusare in Pune yesterday. pic.twitter.com/jBNbdFuRw6

— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2020

Beating Retreat ceremony performed at Attari-Wagah border

A centuries-old tradition, Beating Retreat marked the end of the day’s fighting during battle and soldiers returning to their camps in the evening. It was performed at the Attari-Wagah border in Amritsar on the eve of Republic Day.

The ceremony will also be performed at Vijay Chowk to mark the end of Republic Day celebrations.

#WATCH Beating retreat ceremony at the Attari-Wagah border on the eve of #RepublicDay (25.01.20) pic.twitter.com/NM8SfVeuRv

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Kolkata buildings take on the tricolour hues

Kolkata Police headquarters, Raj Bhavan and The 42 illuminated on the eve of Republic Day.

West Bengal: Kolkata Police headquarters, Raj Bhavan and The 42 illuminated on the eve of #RepublicDay. pic.twitter.com/lYb9updk4t

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Mumbai buildings lit up on Republic Day eve

The CSMT building in South Mumbai was lit in orange, white and green colours on the eve of republic Day. Among the other buildings decorated for the occasion were the BMC headquarters on DN Road and the Maharashtra Secretariat building.

Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building illuminated in tricolour, ahead of Republic Day. pic.twitter.com/OLaH3XcJLR

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Rashtrapati Bhavan is decorated on the eve of Republic Day

The Vijay Chowk outside the Rashtrapati Bhavan is the starting point of the Republic Day parade, which crosses Rajpath and ends at Red Fort.

The full route of the Republic Day parade starts from Vijay Chowk, through Rajpath, ‘C’-Hexagon, Tilak Marg, cross Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Netaji Subhash Marg and ends at Red Fort.

Delhi: Parliament House, North Block and South Block illuminated on the eve of #RepublicDay. pic.twitter.com/wss3Nq8piX

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Padma Shri Awards: Karan Johar, Kangna Ranaut and Zaheer Khan among 118 named

The Padma Shri for this year has been awarded to a total of 118 eminent personalities across fields of art, literature and education, medicine, trade and industry, sports, public affairs, social work and science and engineering. Some of the prominent recipients of the awards include filmmakers Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor, actor Kangana Ranaut, cricketer Zaheer Khan and Naukri.com founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani, among others.

Current Indian women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, former Indian men’s hockey player MP Ganesh, shooter Jitu Rai, former Indian women’s football team captain Oinam Bembem Devi and archer Tarundeep Rai. Singers Suresh Wadkar and Adnan Sami, as well as veteran TV actor Sarita Joshi have also been conferred with the fourth highest civilian award of the country.

Manohar Parrikar, PV Sindhu among 16 Padma Bhushan award recipients

Former defence minister Manohar Parrikar, industrialists Anand Mahindra and Venu Shrinivasan, Olympian badminton player PV Sindhu, former Nagaland chief minister SC Jamir and Muzaffar Hussain Baig are among the sixteen awarded the Padma Bhushan .

The 24-year-old Sindhu is a silver medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympics and is also the only Indian world champion in badminton. Sindhu has also won four other World Championships medals — 2 silver and 2 bronze — besides the gold, she won last year.

Baig, 73, is a former deputy chief minister and finance minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The politician has been awarded for his contribution to public affairs.

The other recipients of Padma Bhushan awards are:

Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Mary Kom conferred Padma Vibhushan

Eminent personalities, including former Union ministers Arun Jaitley, Sushma Swaraj and George Fernandes, Olympian boxer Mary Kom, former Mauritius prime minister Anerood Jugnauth, classical singer from Varanasi Chhannulal Mishra and Sri Vishveshateertha Swamiji Sri of the Pejavara Matha in Udupi have been honoured with the Padma Vibhushan.

Thirty-six-year-old Mary Kom, also a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, won a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics while also being crowned as world champion six times in an illustrious career.

CAPFs to receive 76 medals for gallantry on Republic Day

Central Armed Police Forces will be awarded 76 medals for gallantry. Naresh Kumar, Assistant Commandant, CRPF will receive his sixth Police Medal-Gallantry on Republic Day for neutralising three terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba’s top commander Shaukat Tak in Srinagar.

Naresh Kumar,Asst Commandant, CRPF to receive his 6th Police Medal-Gallantry on #RepublicDay,says,"This is for neutralising 3 terrorists incl top LeT commander Shaukat Tak in Srinagar. Our team has neutralised over 50 terrorists. Our commitment to serve the country is above all". pic.twitter.com/FCG0wpiZ9X

— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2020

Gallantry medals to be awarded during Republic Day celebrations at Rajpath

Indian Army Vice Chief Lt Gen SK Saini, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh and Adjutant General Lt Gen Arvind Dutta among 19 officers will be awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath today.

Kargil War hero Lt Gen YK Joshi, 15 Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon, 3 Corps Commander Lt Gen Rajiv Sirohi and former 16 Corps Chief Lt Gen Paramjeet Singh will be awarded the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal. Meanwhile, four army officers will be awarded the Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry) while 104 army personnel will be given Sena Medal (Gallantry) for their respective acts of bravery, on this Republic Day.

PM wishes India on 71st Republic Day

Tweeting in English and Hindi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished the citizens of India on the 71st Republic Day. He will visit the War Memorial in New Delhi, followed by Rajpath for the Republic Day Parade.

Wishing everyone a happy #RepublicDay.

सभी देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की बहुत-बहुत बधाई।

जय हिंद!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2020