Republic Day Highlights: 90-minute iconic parade at Rajpath ends with a grand show of IAF's flypast

Updated: Saturday, January 26, 2019, 12:37 [IST]

New Delhi, Jan 26: India is celebrating its 70th Republic Day today. South African President Cyril Ramaphos is the chief guest this year. He is accompanied by First Lady Dr. Tshepo Motsepe along with a high-level delegation that includes nine ministers, senior officials, and a 50-member business contingent.

Republic Day LIVE: Armymen on motorcycles stun with daredevil stunts

Ramaphos is the second South African President after Nelson Mandela to be the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade on the historic Rajpath.

Here are the Highlights:

Jan 26, 2019, 12:14 PM IST

R-Day parade officially comes to a close

Jan 26, 2019, 12:13 PM IST

President Kovind and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa have left the parade ground.

Jan 26, 2019, 12:13 PM IST

PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti praised the conferring of Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Nazir Wani, saying "Heartwarming to see his family receive the Ashok Chakra. Lance Nazir Wani saw both sides of conflict. First as a militant & then as a soldier."

Jan 26, 2019, 12:04 PM IST

Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan on Saturday addressed an almost-empty ground on the 70th Republic Day, due to a statewide boycott call given by an umbrella organisation against the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. No member from the general public attended the function, police said adding that only ministers, legislators and top officials were present. The boycott call was given by the NGO Coordination Committee, an organisation of civil society groups and student bodies. Six armed contingents participated in the Republic Day parade, officials said. Up to 30 contingents traditionally take part in the annual event.

Jan 26, 2019, 11:47 AM IST

Narendra Modi greets crowds at Republic Day parade in Delhi

#RepublicDay2019 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets crowds at Republic Day parade in Delhi pic.twitter.com/rRl3ZK8jNr
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 11:39 AM IST

Nari Shakti! Captain Shikha Surbhi would be performing daredevil stunts and a standing salute on a moving motorcycle.

Jan 26, 2019, 11:37 AM IST

Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa witness flypast at Republic Day parade in Delhi

PM Narendra Modi and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa witness flypast at Republic Day parade in Delhi pic.twitter.com/XSd1B6Lrgw
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 11:26 AM IST

Motorcyclists showcase Yoga display, at Rajpath during Republic Day parade

Jan 26, 2019, 11:13 AM IST

The Swachh Bharat Mission tableau stressed on Mahatma Gandhi's message of "cleanliness being next to godliness". Students of several schools were part of the tableau -- which proceeded under a song aimed at promoting the usage of toilets.

Jan 26, 2019, 11:10 AM IST

The Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal Madarasa in Lucknow celebrated the 70th Republic Day with fervour as the students and teachers unfurled the national flag.

Visuals of #republicdayindia celebrations from Darul Uloom Firangi Mahal Madarasa in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/KQkxlZdvyn
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 11:09 AM IST

26 children including 6 girls and 20 boys have been honoured with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar 2019

#republicdayindia 26 children including 6 girls and 20 boys have been honoured with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puruskar 2019 pic.twitter.com/8xxrTEM2OX
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 11:08 AM IST

Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel celebrating Republic day at 18,000 feet and -30 degree celsius in Ladakh

Jan 26, 2019, 11:05 AM IST

The tableau presented by the Ministry of Railways recalled how the train services proved a vital role in Mahatma Gandhi's independence movement. Gandhi had used the Railways between 1910s to 1947 to travel to the lengths and breadths of the nation with the aim of uniting it in the struggle against the colonial powers.

Jan 26, 2019, 11:00 AM IST

The Uttar Pradesh tableau highlighted the state's religious culture. The song accompanying the tableau recalled how the state had been braced by Sant Kabir and Gautam Buddha.

Jan 26, 2019, 11:00 AM IST

The Power Ministry tableau highlighted how the rural electrification has been completed by the government, bringing light and current to every remotest corner of the nation.

Jan 26, 2019, 10:56 AM IST

The tableau presented by the state of Delhi stressed on how the national capital adopted Mahatma Gandhi's core principles of diversity and pluralism.

Jan 26, 2019, 10:56 AM IST

Sweets exchanged between India and Pakistan at Attari-Wagah border

Sweets exchanged between India and Pakistan at Attari-Wagah border. #republicdayindia pic.twitter.com/BfypKxmhVX
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 10:56 AM IST

Tableau of Punjab is based on the theme of Jallianwala Bagh massacre

Jan 26, 2019, 10:55 AM IST

The Tableau of Karnataka is based on the 39th session of the Indian National Congress held in Belagavi in 1924, which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi

#republicdayindia Tableau of Karnataka is based on the 39th session of the Indian National Congress held in Belagavi in 1924, which was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi pic.twitter.com/tWsztHczoY
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 10:53 AM IST

The tableau presented by the state of Gujarat recalled how Mahatma Gandhi led the Dandi March, which forced the British regime to revoke the high taxes on salt.

Jan 26, 2019, 10:46 AM IST

The State Tableaus are now on display. The northeastern state of Sikkim highlighted how it practices 100 percent organic farming.

Jan 26, 2019, 10:46 AM IST

The tableau of Maharashtra saluted the Quit India Movement -- the final agitation between 1942-47 which culminated in the freedom of the nation from the colonial British rule.

Jan 26, 2019, 10:46 AM IST

The tableau of Andaman & Nicobar recalled Mahatma Gandhi's impact on the inmates of cellular jail. The song played along with the presentation recalled how Gandhi's letter filled the prison inmates with immense hope.

#RepublicDay2019 : Tableaux of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Maharashtra and Sikkim pic.twitter.com/fumDqB7xQl
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 10:44 AM IST

In a first, all-women Assam Rifles contingent marches past Rajpath on Republic Day 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 10:40 AM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi continued with his tradition of donning colourful turbans at Republic Day celebrations on Saturday by sporting a yellowish orange headgear with a red tail. Wearing his traditional kurta pajama and the trademark Nehru jacket, Modi paid tributes to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti before heading for the Republic Day parade.'

Jan 26, 2019, 10:39 AM IST

Camel Mounted Band of BSF playing 'Hum Hai Seema Suraksha Bal', at Rajpath

Jan 26, 2019, 10:38 AM IST

Lt. Ambika Sudhakaran leads Indian Navy's marching regiment at Republic Day2019 parade

Jan 26, 2019, 10:37 AM IST

Lt. Bhavna Kasturi leads the Indian Army Service Corps regiment at Republic Day 2019 parade

Jan 26, 2019, 10:33 AM IST

The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and tableaux of many states, themed on the iconic freedom fighter, are lined up for the occasion.

Jan 26, 2019, 10:33 AM IST

The Veterans tableau-2019, it showcases the theme, 'Veterans: Accelerators in Nation's Growth'

The Veterans tableau-2019, it showcases the theme, 'Veterans: Accelerators in Nation's Growth'. #republicdayindia pic.twitter.com/4vUsUyVzd6
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 5:29 am IST

The police and the Intelligence Bureau have busted at least four plots ahead of Republic Day. Groups sympathetic to the Islamic State were planning major attacks.

Jan 26, 2019, 5:32 am IST

Tight security arrangements have also been made where the flag hoisting ceremonies will be held, they further said.

Jan 26, 2019, 5:32 am IST

Additional security force was deployed at vulnerable places and key installations, including railway stations, bus stands, airports, government buildings.

Jan 26, 2019, 5:34 am IST

The Delhi police has taken special measures as far as the security is concerned. Around 3,000 personnel have been deployed to manage route diversions and ensure a safe and secure passage for the visiting dignitaries. Elaborate traffic arrangements and restrictions have been put in place in the capital for the smooth conduct of the parade between Vijay Chowk and Red Fort Grounds.

Jan 26, 2019, 5:45 am IST

The security forces are geared up to deal with aerial threats as well with drones keeping a hawk-eye on activities on the ground during the duration of parade. Anti-aircraft guns, snipers and crack teams are ready to meet any eventuality.

Jan 26, 2019, 5:45 am IST

Meanwhile, a multi-layer high-security grid has been activated around Rajpath for the Republic Day celebrations in line with threat perception assessment made by security agencies to safeguard the high-profile event from a possible terror attack.

Jan 26, 2019, 5:53 am IST

The eight-km-long Republic Day parade route from Rajpath to the Red Fort in central Delhi has turned into a fortress with women commandos, mobile hit teams, anti-aircraft guns and sharpshooters being deployed at strategic locations to keep a close watch on suspicious people.

Jan 26, 2019, 5:59 am IST

To mark the importance of Republic Day, each year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President's residence), along the Rajpath, past India Gate. Prior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath on the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to fallen soldiers at India Gate on Rajpath. Like every year, watching the Republic Day parade is great excitement for the countrymen.

Jan 26, 2019, 7:31 am IST

This year also marks the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Railways after a three year gap will showcase its tableau that would describe the transformation of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi to Mahatma.

Jan 26, 2019, 7:46 am IST

The other highlights will be the artillery gun system M777 American Ultra-Light Howitzers, the Main Battle Tank (MBT) T-90 and the Made-in-India Akash Weapon System.

Jan 26, 2019, 7:46 am IST

Four Indian National Army (INA) veterans, all aged over 90 years, will also participate in this year's Republic Day parade for the first time.

Jan 26, 2019, 8:01 am IST

Today there will be a dazzling display of woman power. An all women Assam Rifles contingent will be in the lead and a woman officer will perform bike stunts on Rajpath. Contingents of the Navy, Army Services Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals will all be led by women officers.

Jan 26, 2019, 8:23 am IST

Twenty three Delhi Police officers, including six women, were conferred Police Medals for their exemplary service. Nuzhat Hassan, special commissioner of police and RA Sanjeev, additional commissioner of police, have been awarded two President's Police Medals for distinguished service.

Jan 26, 2019, 8:23 am IST

Among the four who have been conferred Police Medals for gallantry are Inspectors Rahul Kumar and Ravinder Kumar Tyagi and Assistant Sub-inspectors Rajendra Kumar and Gurmeet Singh. Rahul Kumar was part of the 2008 encounter at Batla House in Delhi in which two suspected terrorists, Atif alias Bashir and Mohd Sajid alias Pankaj and police officer MC Sharma were killed. The Batla House encounter, as it came to be known as, had taken place on September 19, 2008, and two suspects were arrested. The deceased and other arrested militants were found responsible for over 65 terror incidents in different parts of India.

Jan 26, 2019, 8:33 am IST

Delhi has turned into a fortress and massive security is in place for the Republic Day. The police are also using counter-drone technology to thwart any attack or identify any suspicious flying object.

Jan 26, 2019, 9:27 am IST

Republic Day parade will begin at Rajpath at 9.50 am, prior to which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti

Jan 26, 2019, 9:27 am IST

Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari unfurl the tricolour at their respective residences in Delhi

#RepublicDay2019 : Union Ministers Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari unfurl the tricolour at their respective residences in Delhi pic.twitter.com/QitEVFmRMJ
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 9:28 am IST

Union Minister Arun Jaitley, who is recuperating after a surgery in a hospital in the US, tweeted, "#RepublicDay2019 greetings to everyone. Happy 70th #RepublicDay2019".

Jan 26, 2019, 9:28 am IST

Railways Minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, "70 & Growing Strong: As India celebrates its 70th #RepublicDay, let us cherish the memory of the day when we became an Independent Republic, and look ahead with aspiration & zeal towards building a New India."

Jan 26, 2019, 9:30 am IST

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel takes part in R-Day celebrations in Raipur

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel takes part in #RepublicDay2019 celebrations in Raipur. pic.twitter.com/C1i43tVtsT
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 9:35 am IST

Search giant Google on Saturday dedicated a special doodle to mark India's 70th Republic Day, which captured the country's architectural and cultural legacy as well as its rich bio-diversity. The doodle with a 3D impression depicts the iconic facade of the grand Rashtrapati Bhavan in the backdrop, flanked by trees, reflecting the flora and fauna that resides on its sprawling campus. Rich in colours, the celebrated landmark is fronted by six letters of the word G-O-O-G-L-E, each one on in a stylised form, ranging from a golf course to an ancient monument.

Jan 26, 2019, 9:35 am IST

IAF wishes all on R-Day

On the occasion of the 70th Republic Day, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air-Warriors of IAF wish all citizens of India, a very Happy #RepublicDay2019 . pic.twitter.com/ODF265U0ca
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 9:36 am IST

The homegrown Light Combat aircraft Tejas and the Akash air defence missile system would be the main attraction of the Indian Air Force (IAF) tableaux at the Republic Day parade along with the 'Sutlej' An-32 aircraft which will for the first time take part in the flypast using 10 per cent biofuel.

Jan 26, 2019, 9:36 am IST

Saints at Ardh Kumbh Mela 2019 in Prayagraj celebrated Republic Day 2019

Saints at Ardh #KumbhMela2019 in Prayagraj celebrate #RepublicDay2019 . pic.twitter.com/ZGWCwjQrft
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 9:38 am IST

The Republic Day parade is expected to begin at 9:50 am. Prior to that, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay tribute at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in the national capital.

Jan 26, 2019, 9:41 am IST

Sand sculptor Sudarshan Pattnaik created a sand sculpture on the eve of 70th Republic day with message "I Love my India" at Puri beach in Odisha on Friday evening.

Happy #RepublicDay2019 ⁠ 🇮🇳 my Sand art at puri beach in Odisha . #ILoveMyIndia pic.twitter.com/JXCU61ERo8
— Sudarsan Pattnaik (@sudarsansand) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 9:45 am IST

PM Narendra Modi paid homage to bravehearts at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate

#RepublicDay2019 : PM @narendramodi pays homage to bravehearts at Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate pic.twitter.com/jORZaaCVay
— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) January 26, 2019

Jan 26, 2019, 9:51 am IST

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman meets service chiefs at Amar Jawan Jyothi

Jan 26, 2019, 9:53 am IST

Narendra Modi places wreath at Amar Jawan Jyoti.

Jan 26, 2019, 9:57 am IST