India Celebrates 64th Republic Day

A strong and resurgent India celebrated its 64th Republic Day on Saturday amidst tight security and colorful pageantry.Presided over by President Pranab Mukherjee for the first time as head of state, the parade, which last for over an hour-and-a-half, had the King of Bhutan as its chief guest.The nation's achievements were highlighted in various fields through its military prowess, a scintillating display of its air power and its rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Indian soldiers march down the ceremonial boulevard Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2013. India marked its Republic Day with celebrations held under heavy security, especially in New Delhi where large areas were sealed off for an annual parade of military hardware at which Bhutan's king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was chief guest.

In this handout photograph received from the Ministry of Defence on January 26, 2013 Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh (2L) salutes during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2013. India marked its Republic Day with celebrations held under heavy security, especially in New Delhi where large areas were sealed off for an annual parade of military hardware at which Bhutan's king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was chief guest.

A bird’s eye view of Rajpath, during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, at Rajpath, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013. P D Photo by Debatosh Sengupta

A float representing the Indian captital of Delhi rolls during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2013. India marked its Republic Day with celebrations held under heavy security, especially in New Delhi where large areas were sealed off for an annual parade of military hardware at which Bhutan's king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was chief guest.

A surface-to-surface Agni V missile is displayed during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi January 26, 2013. India celebrated its 64th Republic Day on Saturday.

The Indian Army's BrahMos missile launchers are driven for display during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi January 26, 2013. India celebrated its 64th Republic Day on Saturday.

Indian Army's MBT Arjun MK-I tanks are driven for display during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi January 26, 2013. India celebrated its 64th Republic Day on Saturday.

Indian soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi January 26, 2013. India celebrated its 64th Republic Day on Saturday.

Five planes in arrow formation fly over Rajpath during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

The IAF Helicopters carrying the tricolour and three services flag, during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, at Rajpath, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of motorbike riders of Border Security Force during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Indian schoolchildren perform a dance during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2013. India marked its Republic Day with celebrations held under heavy security, especially in New Delhi where large areas were sealed off for an annual parade of military hardware at which Bhutan's king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was chief guest.

A float representing the Indian state of West Bengal rolls down the ceremonial boulevard Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2013. India marked its Republic Day with celebrations held under heavy security, especially in New Delhi where large areas were sealed off for an annual parade of military hardware at which Bhutan's king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck was chief guest.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of motorbike riders of Border Security Force during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of motorbike riders of Border Security Force during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Children performing folk dance ‘Gangaur’ at Rajpath during during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Children performing folk dance ‘Gangaur’ at Rajpath during during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Children performing folk dance ‘Gangaur’ at Rajpath during during the 64th Republic Day Parade-2013, in New Delhi on January 26, 2013.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (wearing blue turban) is greeted by officials upon his arrival before the start of the Republic Day parade in New Delhi January 26, 2013. India celebrated its 64th Republic Day on Saturday.