Photos| Republic Day 2020: Several firsts as the parade rolls through Rajpath

India marks its 71th Republic Day today, the occasion commemorating the Indian Constitution coming into effect after careful deliberations in the Constituent Assembly. The day marked the completion of independent India’s transition towards a nation that defines itself a republic. The highlight affair, of the annual R-Day celebrations, the parade made its way down Rajpath in New Delhi showcasing India's military, culture and diversity in the presence of this year’s chief guest Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, today on January 26.

Updated on: Jan 26, 2020 10:44 PM IST

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India marked its 71st Republic Day with many firsts as it displayed its military might and cultural diversity during the 90-minute parade at Rajpath. Captain Tanya Shergill, an officer with the Army’s Corps of Signals, became the second woman parade adjutant for the Republic Day parade, leading an all-men contingent at the march past. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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Prime Minister Modi greeted the nation early in the morning before the Republic Day ceremony started. The Prime Minister in a saffron turban, breaking from tradition, visited the National War Memorial instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti, where he lead the nation in paying tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath. (HT Photo)

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Twenty-two tableaux – 16 from states and Union territories and six from various ministries and departments – depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and economic progress rolled down the Rajpath. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was in attendance as the guest of honour with President Ram Nath Kovind, vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and defence minister Rajnath Singh among others watching the parade and tableaux. (Arvind Yadav / HT Photo)

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Contingents during the Republic Day parade. The parade was commanded by Lt General Asit Mistry, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. The first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers was 61 Cavalry – the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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India’s armed forces took centre stage at the grand parade as they displayed the army’s battle tank Bhishma, Infantry Combat Vehicle Ballway Machine Pikate (pictured) and the air force’s brand new Rafale fighter jet and the newly inducted Chinook and Apache helicopters. (Arvind Yadav/HT Photo)

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The long-range artillery gun Dhanush, commanded by Indian Army Captain Mrigank Bharadwaj, was a 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 Ordnance Factory Board. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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An all-woman bikers contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also made its debut at the 71st Republic Day. Inspector Seema Nag, who is posted with the Rapid Action Force (RAF), commanded the contingent. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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The women bikers wowed the audience with several daredevil stunts and concluded by forming a human pyramid of 21 personnel on five motorcycles. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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Another highlight was the marching contingent of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that showcased the anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) - Mission Shakti. India’s first anti-satellite mission, it was a major breakthrough in demonstrating the nation’s capability to bring down hostile satellites. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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Sixteen tableaux from various states and Union territories, including from the newly-created Jammu and Kashmir. Start-up India and Jal Jeevan Mission, were also represented among the six tableaux from different ministries and departments. (Arvind Yadav / HT Photo)

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The fly-past – the grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade – comprised the ‘Trishul’ formation by three advanced light helicopters. (Arvind Yadav / HT Photo)

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School children from Delhi performed yoga and several dances. The recipients of Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar also participated in the parade. 18 girls and 31 boys received the award in the fields of bravery, innovation, scholastic, sports, arts, culture, social service and music. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)

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A fleet of Sukhoi-30 MKI jets splitting the sky with a breathtaking ‘Vertical Charlie’ aerobatic manoeuvre was last attraction of the Republic Day parade. (Sonu Mehta / HT Photo)