Special Beating Retreat Ceremony held at Wagah border

Amritsar: A special Beating Retreat Ceremony took place on Monday at the Wagah Border here on the occasion of the 66th Republic Day.

The 'lowering of the flags' ceremony is a daily military practice at the Wagah border. The Border Security Force and the Pakistan Rangers have jointly followed it since 1959.

Earlier in the day, India's military prowess and cultural diversity was showcased in the Republic Day parade, where U.S. President Barack Obama was the chief guest.

The celebrations started with the unfurling of the national flag by the President.

India also witnessed the first march by women army, navy and air force personnel at the Republic Day parade.

President Mukherjee also presented the prestigious Ashok Chakra award to Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh posthumously.