India celebrates Republic Day

Mumbai witnessed a spectacular Republic Day celebration, with the Maharashtra government organising a grand parade along the Marine Drive here today on the lines of the parade on Rajpath in the national capital. (IE Photo: Kevin Dsouza)

This is the first time the parade was held at the Marine Drive in south Mumbai, instead of the Shivaji Park ground in central Mumbai. (IE Photo: Kevin Dsouza)

The special event began by unfurling of the tricolour by Governor K Sankaranarayanan and playing of the national anthem. He then took the salute at the parade along the Marine Drive promenade. (IE Photo: Ganesh Shirsekar)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, his cabinet colleagues, senior bureaucrats and top police officers were present on the occasion. (IE Photo: Kevin Dsouza)

Around 25 tableaux put up by the state government departments highlighting their achievements in the fields like education and health care, were a part of the parade. (IE Photo: Ganesh Shirsekar)

It showcased the military might of the Indian Army and other defence forces and also highlighted the prowess of CISF and Mumbai police. (IE Photo: Ganesh Shirsekar)

Celebrations of the Republic Day also took place at various government establishments and private functions across the state by hoisting the tricolour – in district towns and villages. (IE Photo: Ganesh Shirsekar)

Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi waves after hoisting the national flag during the Republic Day celebrations at Himmatnagar town, Ahmedabad. (Reuters)

The Gujarat Police officials perform a dare-devil show on their motorcycle during Republic Day celebrations in Gujarat. (Reuters)

The 65th Republic Day was celebrated today across West Bengal amid hoisting of the national tricolor, colourful parade and procession with decorated tableaux portraying the state's culture and heritage were highlights of the programme, which was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (PTI)

"I salute all those whose selfless toil, struggle and sacrifice gave us our freedom and established democracy in the country. We have always placed people above everything else. Our plans, programmes, policies and priorities are always people-centric," Banerjee said in a message on Facebook. (PTI)

Indian Navy sailors march as they take part in a ceremonial parade during Republic Day celebrations at the southern Naval Command in Kochi. (Reuters)

Major shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic remained off the roads in most parts of the Kashmir Valley in response to a strike called by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and other separatists in support of resolution of Kashmir issue. (IE Photo: Shuaib Masoodi)

Policemen perform in ceremonial dress during the Republic Day parade at the Bakshi stadium in Srinagar. (IE Photo: Shuaib Masoodi)

Participants during the Republic Day parade at the Bakshi stadium in Srinagar. (IE Photo: Shuaib Masoodi)

Geelani appealed to people to boycott the Republic Day celebrations saying, "India has deprived the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their basic rights. Participating in its Republic Day celebrations has no meaning at all". (IE Photo: Shuaib Masoodi)