India showcases military might, cultural diversity during R-Day parade

India's military prowess infused with a spirit of 'aatmanirbharta' and diverse cultural heritage were showcased on the Kartavya Path as the nation marked its 74th Republic Day on Thursday.

As many as 23 tableaux, 17 from states and Union Territories and six from various ministries and departments, rolled down the Kartavya Path exhibiting a plethora of cultures from across India. In pic: Tableau of Tamil Nadu during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Maharashtra during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Kerala during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

'Nari Shakti' was predominantly the theme of the celebrations with President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other dignitaries joining people and members of the armed forces in marking the august occasion. In pic: Tableau of Karnataka during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

According to tradition, the national flag was unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. In pic: Tableau of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

However, the ceremonial salute this year was given with 105-mm Indian field guns, which replaced the vintage 25-pounder guns, reflecting upon the growing 'aatmanirbharta' in defence. In pic: Tableau of Arunachal Pradesh during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of West Bengal during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Ladakh during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Jammu and Kashmir during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Assam during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Uttarakhand during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Tripura during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Gujarat during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Andhra Pradesh during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Jharkhand during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of CPWD during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tableau of Ministry of Culture during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

As the spectacle came to an end, Prime Minsiter Narendra Modi greeted the crowd amid cheers, after bidding adieu to President Droupadi Murmu and her Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the chief guest at the event.

President Droupadi Murmu, along with her Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Prime minister Narendra Modi at 74th Republic Day parade.

All women contingent during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

CRPF contingent march during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

RPF contingent march during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

Tanks take part in the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

A combined band and marching contingent of the Egyptian Armed Forces also took part in the parade.

Egypt Armed forces march during the 74th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

West Bengal Governor CV Anand and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a Republic Day Parade on Kolkata's Red Road.(Express photo by Partha Paul)

Glimpses of a Republic Day function at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana. (Express Photos by Gurmeet Singh)

Indian Navy celebrated the day with a ceremonial parade consisting of a 50-men Guard of Honour, and 18 marching platoons, at Visakhapatnam. (Express Photo)

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann at a Republic Day function in Ludhiana. (Express Photo)