Republic Day 2016: From showcasing military might to French troop march, top 10 highlights of the parade

Republic Day 2016: India celebrated her 67th Republic Day today with French President Francois Hollande as the chief guest. The Republic Day celebrations began at the Amar Jawan Jyoti where Prime Minister Narendra Modi lead the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the memorial.

Here are top 10 highlights of Republic Day 2016 celebrations:

1. For the first time in the history of India’s Republic Day Parade, a 76-member French Army contingent led by a French military band consisting 48 musicians marching on Rajpath presented a ceremonial salute to the President of India.

2. The celebrations began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi driving to the Amar Jawan Jyoti, memorial to the Unknown Soldier at India Gate, and laying a wreath in honour of the soldiers who have died in the battles since World War I.

3. The parade had started amid unprecedented security that included anti-aircraft guns, 15,000 CCTV cameras and around 1000 snipers. The preparations come following a recent security review where officials concluded there is a “very real” ISIS threat on the occasion.

4. The parade this year was shorter – there were fewer marching contingents and massed bands. Instead of a marching continent of ex-servicemen, there was a tableau dedicated to them.

5. Indian army’s dog squad march down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi after 26 years

6. In another break with tradition, the young recipients of the National Awards for Bravery came towards the end.

7. Ashok Chakra, the country’s highest gallantry award in peacetime, was presented to the widow of Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami of the Parachute Regiment.

8. Vice President Hamid Ansari, the three service chiefs, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, cabinet ministers, a host of dignitaries and a group of women achievers were seated in a special enclosure to witness the hour-and-half long parade.

9. The maritime activities in ancient Odisha coupled with popular folk dance Dalkhai of the state were showcased at the 67th Republic day parade on Rajpath here today.

10. French President Francois Hollande was wrapping up his three-day visit to India Tuesday by watching an elaborate display of Indian military hardware and marching bands taking part in India’s Republic Day celebrations. He was joined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top officials for the anniversary of India’s democratic constitution taking force in 1950.