Indians in Canada braved icy conditions to celebrate Republic Day by hoisting the tricolour, taking out processions and holding cultural extravaganza.

Hundreds of Indians along with many Pakistanis gathered at the Indian consulate in Toronto on Sunday.

Consul General Divya Manchanda unfurled the tricolour and read out a message from President A P J Abdul Kalam.

A large number of Indians took out tableaux waving the Indian national flag in the evening. Similar functions were held in Ottawa and Vancouver.

Later, community leaders called upon people to inculcate and preserve ancient Indian heritage and culture.