Of white tigers, monks and Ambedkar: India's diversity showcased at the Republic Day Parade rehearsal
Various states participate in the rehearsals for the Republic Day parade with their beautifully decorated floats.
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The float from Gujarat focuses on a unique aspect of the state at the rehearsal for the Republic Day parade. The parade will be held on 26 January at Rajpath, New Delhi. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
Traditional music and musicians are the focus for this float from Assam. The parade will begin at Rashtrapati Bhavan and go beyond India Gate. This route was fixed only from 1955; earlier the celebrations used to be held at various locations. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
Green earth, trees with orange blossoms and musicians in yellow: West Bengal's float is definitely colourful. Every year, the parade hosts a different state guest. This year, the state guest of honour is French President Francois Hollande. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
Warriors raise the sword and shield on Uttarakhand's float. Several states present floats that showcase their region's culture and heritage. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
Monks and monasteries are the focus of Sikkim's float. Sikkim was recently declared to be India's first fully organic state. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
This float marks the contribution of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar towards the nation. Ambedkar is called the architect of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution went into effect on 26 January, 1950, making India a Republic. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
Madhya Pradesh showcases white tigers on its float. The first white tiger was captured in this region by Maharaja Martand Singh in 1951. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
From rescues during times of natural disasters to protecting the nation's borders, the Indian Army does it all. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
There is more to Goa than beautiful beaches, as the state's float aims to prove. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
Forts, music, dance - all of them find a place on Chhattisgarh's float. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma
We may be in the era of technology, but that's no reason to forget our humble roots, according to Bihar's float. Firstpost/Naresh Sharma