India showcases its military might, cultural diversity on 73rd Republic Day at Rajpath - See pics

The Republic Day Parade ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. He led the nation in paying solemn tributes to the fallen heroes by laying a wreath and thereafter, headed to the saluting dais at Rajpath to witness the parade.

The parade commenced with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The parade was commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, Ati Vishisth Seva Medal, a second-generation Army officer. 

As per tradition, the National Flag was unfurled followed by the National Anthem with a booming 21-gun salute.

The SIKH Light Infantry was led by Captain Utsav Kumar of 15 SIKH LI.

The contingent is attired in the present-day Indian Army Uniform.

The Regimental motto is ‘DEG TEG FATEH’ meaning ‘Prosperity in Peace and Victory in War’.

The Rajput regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Varun Pratap Singh of the 17 RAJPUT Regiment. The contingent is attired in the Indian Army Uniform of the 1950s.

‘War Cry’ of the Regt is "Bol Bajrang Bali ki Jai, Hanuman ki Hun Pyare" and motto ‘Sarvatra Vijay.

Indian Navy tableau participated in the Republic Day parade at Rajpath. It was designed with an aim to showcase the multi-dimensional capabilities of the Navy as well as highlight key inductions under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

The IAF marching contingent comprised of 96 Airmen and four Officers led by Sqn Ldr Prashant Swamynathan and marched past the Rajpath in Box formation of 12 Rows x 08 Columns.

CRPF marching contingent comprised of 99 personnel and was led by Asst Commandant Ajay Malik. The Motto of the CRPF is ‘Service & Loyalty’.

The women of the Border Security Force participated after four years since their debut in 2018 and showcased the 'Girl Power'. 

The Pyramid formation by 33 BSF women officers also attracted the public's attention.

Detachments of Centurion Tank, PT-76, MBT Arjun MK-I, and APC Topaz also participated in the Republic Day parade at the Rajpath in Delhi.

12 States/Union Territories and nine Ministries/Departments showcased their tableaux. 

The tableau of Uttar Pradesh was based on Achievements@75. The tableau showed the achievements achieved through skill development and employment through One District One Product.

Meghalaya is celebrating its 50 years of statehood in 2022. It also showcased its tableau at the parade.

Front part of the tableau depicted a woman weaving a bamboo basket and the several bamboo and cane products of Meghalaya.

Tableau of Jammu and Kashmir depicted the changing face of the UT in the backdrop of the developmental scenarios.

The front portion of Tableaux showcased Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan - one of the most visited pilgrimage centres of India.

The tableau of Haryana was based on the theme 'Haryana number one in sports'.

Haryana, notably, has brought various laurels to India by winning medals in several national and international sporting events.

The grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade was the Fly Past. For the first time, the parade witnessed 75 aircraft/helicopters of the Indian Air Force displaying a number of formations, as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

Vintage, as well as current modern aircraft/helicopters like Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mi-17, Sarang, Apache and Dakota, displayed different formations, including Rahat, Meghna, Eklavya, Trishul, Tiranga, Vijay and Amrit.