India showcases majestic defence might, diverse culture, ‘Nari Shakti’ during 74th Republic Day celebrations across the country – Pictures inside

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Hundreds of people faced the January morning winter chill and mist at a ceremonial parade in the national capital on Thursday to celebrate India’s 74th Republic Day. The parade took place at Delhi’s Kartavya Path where the nation showcased its defense capability and cultural and social heritage. The celebrations this year witnessed zeal, enthusiasm, patriotic fervour and ‘Jan Bhagidari’. Ahead of the parade, PM Modi extending his greetings to the nation on the 74th Republic Day. (Photo: PTI)

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The parade commenced with the President taking the salute. The parade was commanded by Parade Commander, Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, a second-generation Army officer. Major General Bhavnish Kumar, Chief of Staff, HQ Delhi Area was the Parade Second-in-Command. (Image: PTI)

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In a first, an Egyptian President was invited to be the chief guest of the event. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El –Sisi was accompanied to the Kartavya Path by President Droupadi Murmu. (Image: PTI)

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Marching down the Kartavya Path for the first time were the combined Band and Marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces, led by Colonel Mahmoud Mohamed Abdel Fattah El Kharasawy. The contingent consisted of 144 soldiers, representing the main branches of the Egyptian Armed Forces. (Image: PTI)

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Camel Contingent of Border Security Force (BSF) marched past the saluting dais under the command of Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee. (Image: PTI)

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BSF’s Camel Contingent marches past during the Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path. (Image: PTI)

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Tamil Nadu tableau on display during the Republic Day Parade 2023, at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path. (Image: PTI)

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“The Republic Day parade will be a unique mix of the country’s military prowess and cultural diversity, depicting the country’s growing indigenous capabilities, Nari Shakti and emergence of a ‘New India’,” the Defence Ministry had said. (Image: PTI)

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Indian defence forces march through the ceremonial Kartavya Path boulevard during India’s Republic Day celebrations on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Maharashtra tableau on display during the Republic Day Parade 2023, at New Delhi’s Kartavya Path. (Image: PTI)

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An Indian army daredevil team displays their skill on motorcycles as they drive through the ceremonial Kartavya Path during the 74th Republic Day celebrations. (Image: PTI)

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Security force personnel march past during the 74th Republic Day function in Agartala on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Children perform during the 74th Republic Day function in Guwahati on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Madras Engineering Group (MEG) personnel march during the 74th Republic Day Parade at Manek Shaw Parade ground in Bengaluru on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Madras Engineering Group (MEG) personnel perform ‘Kalaripayattu’, a martial art and dance form, during the 74th Republic Day Parade at Manek Shaw Parade function in Bengaluru on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Madras Engineering Group (MEG) personnel perform ‘Kalaripayattu’, a martial art and dance form, during the 74th Republic Day Parade at Manek Shaw Parade function in Bengaluru on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Border Security Force (BSF) Commandant Jasbir Singh presents sweets to Pakistani Rangers Wing Commander Aamir on the occasion of 74th Republic Day at the Attari-Wagah border, about 35 km from Amritsar on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Baaz formation by 3 Mig-29 fighter planes of the Indian Air Force, during the 74th Republic Day Parade at the Kartavya Path on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

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Indian Army Akash missile launcher drives through the ceremonial Kartavya Path boulevard during India’s Republic Day celebrations on Thursday. (Image: AP)