India on Monday celebrated its 66th Republic Day, showcasing before the chief guest United States President Barack Obama and the world its military might and cultural diversity with a splendid display of land and naval weaponry, fighter and reconnaissance aircraft.
Here's how the day unfolded at Rajpath:
Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes an entry in the visitor’s book at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, India Gate
Image: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive at the 66th Republic Day Parade
Image: Republic Day parade chief guest US President Barack Obama shakes hands with PM Narendra Modi in the pouring rain as he arrives to attend the ceremony. Photograph: Jim Bourg/Reuters
Image: US President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the pouring rain. Photograph: Jim Bourg/Reuters
Image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama sit under umbrellas watching the parade in the rain together from their review stand. Photograph: Stephen Crowley/Pool/Reuters
Image: President Pranab Mukherjee giving away the highest gallantry award Ashok Chakra to Major Mukund Varadarajan of the 44th Battalion of Rashtriya Rifles/The Rajput Regiment (Posthumous); the award received by his wife. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Image: President Pranab Mukherjee giving away the highest gallantry award Ashok Chakra to Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh of the 57th Battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles (Rajputana Rifles)/13 Rajputana Rifles (Posthumous); the award received by his wife. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Image: Pinaka 214 MM Multiple Barrel Rocket Launcher System. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Image: Rapidly Deployable Satellite Terminal. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Image: ICV BMPII (SARTHI) passes through Rajpath. Photograph: Press Information Bureau
Image: A member of the Border Security Force band rides his camel as he performs during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Ahmad Masood/Reuters
Image: An all female military contingent marches in the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Jim Bourg/Reuters
Image: Soldiers march during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Ahmad Masood/Reuters
Image: Soldiers march during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Ahmad Masood/Reuters
Image: Floats are on display during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Ahmad Masood/Reuters
Image: Artists wearing masks perform in the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Ahmad Masood/Reuters
Image: Border Security Force "Daredevils" motorcycle riders take part during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Image: Indian Air Force fighter aircraft jets fly past during the Republic Day parade. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
