A kaleidoscopic view of the country’s rich cultural heritage and military prowess were on display at the 64th Republic Day parade on the 8-km stretch from Rajpath to Red Fort.

An eager audience on both sides of the imposing Rajpath, the country’s ceremonial boulevard facing the seat of power Raisina Hills, braved the winter chill and cheered loudly as the parade went past them portraying the rich and diverse culture of the country.

The impressive march-past was watched by Chief Guest, Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A. K. Antony, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and top political and military brass.

The country showed its military strength with the Agni-V missile, MBT Arjun Tank, Armoured Ambulance Tracked Vehicle, BrahMos missiles and 214 mm Pinaka rockets and the 15 metre Sarvatra Bridging System.

The Army contingent from horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, Maratha Light Infantry, Dogra Regiment, Garhwal Rifles, Ladakh Scouts, 8 Gorkha Training Centre, Army Ordnance Corps and Territorial Army (Punjab) marched to martial tunes.

As the country’s armed and police forces demonstrated their might, States and different departments put up an impressive show when they showcased their rich cultural diversity in full display in 19 tableaux — 14 from the States and five from the ministries.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and BJP leader L.K. Advani during Republic Day parade in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Marching contingents on Rajpath during Republic Day parade in the capital on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

The Army contingent marching on Rajpath during Republic Day celebration in New Delhi. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

The smartly-dressed contingent of Indian Navy, marching on Rajpath during Republic Day parade in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Marching contingent on Rajpath during Republic Day parade in the capital on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Agni-V, Intercontinental Ballistic Missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) being displayed on Rajpath during Republic Day parade in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Pinaka 214MM multi basrrel rocket launcher system rolling on Rajpath during Republic Day parade in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Brahmos missiles system rolling on Rajpath and showing country's military strength during Republic Day celebrations on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

The country showed its military strength with the display of different kind of advanced weapons during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Tableaux of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting rolling on Rajpath during Republic Day celebration in New Delhi on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Tableaux of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment rolling on Rajpath during Republic Day celebration in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Delhi's tableaux displayed the cultural and artistic heritage of the city during Republic Day celebration, in the capital on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Beautiful tableaux of Odisha displaying its heritage temples during Republic Day celebration in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Tableaux of Central Public Works Department was full of greenary, representing their work to keep the nation clean and green, during Republic Day celebration, on Rajpath. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Rajasthan's tableaux rolled with its huge and beautiful fort, on Rajpath during Republic Day celebration, in the capital on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

The colouful tableaux of Uttar Pradesh showed the traditional and famous Lath-Maar Holi, which is played in Vrindavan and Mathura, during Republic Day celebration, in New Delhi. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Tableaux of Jammu & Kashmir representing state's crafts and handloom industry during Republic Day celebration, in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

A beautiful tableaux of Himachal Pradesh rolling on Rajpath during Republic Day celebration in the capital on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

A tableaux portraying the natural beauty of the India's north-eastern state of Meghalaya during Republic Day celebration in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Meghalaya's tableaux was followed by the cultural tableaux of Karnataka, on Rajpath during Republic Day celebration. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

West Bengal's tableaux celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekanand, during Republic Day celebration on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Dalkhai,the most popular folk dance of western Odisha presented by Stodents of Governmnet Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya,Amalwas Jwalapuri Delhi at Rajpath during Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Children performing at Rajpath during Republic Day celebration in the capital on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

The ASC Tornadoes team display their skills at Rajpath during Republic Day celebration. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Indian Air Force transport aircraft fly in a formation led by IL 78 during a flypast during Republic Day celebration, in New Delhi. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Indian Air Force Sukhoi's in a formation during Republic Day celebration, in the capital. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and President Pranab Mukherjee leaving after the Republic Day celebration, in the capital on 26.1.13. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

People seen thronging at Rajpath as the Tri-Colour illumination at India Gate as part of 63rd Republic Day celebration , in the Capital on 26.01.13. Photo: Kamal Narang

A view of Central vista illuminations as part of Republic Day celebrations at Vijay Chowk , in the Capital on 26.01.13. Photo : Kamal Narang

A view of Parliament House illuminations as part of Republic Day celebrations , in the Capital on 26.01.13. Photo : Kamal Narang

Published on January 27, 2013