[Republic Day Parade 2019 LIVE UPDATES: Border Security Force “Daredevils” at Rajpath during the dress rehearsal for the 70th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. (Express Photo: Praveen Khanna)]
New Delhi: Saturday January 26, 2019 coincided with 70th Republic Day of India and celebrations are underway across the country to mark the day.
The day started with flag hoisting ceremonies followed by various events to highlight India's culture and diversity in schools across India. Sudents attired in colourful dresses were hallmark of these events. Flag hoisting and cultural events in schools were followed by similar events at state, district and taluka headquraters.
In Malegaon, flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural events were held in different schools of the city and at Eid Gah Ground in the city's camp area. Additional District Collector, SDM Malegaon, Additional SP witnessed the R-Day Parade at Eid Gah ground in Malegaon.
The key event of the day is R-Day parade in New Delhi. The parade started at 9.50 am from Vijay Chowk and proceed for Red Fort Grounds. President of India Ram Nath Kovind received the Guard of Honour. President Ram Nath Kovind also gave away the highest peace-time gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra to Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani posthumously.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is the chief guest this year. Twenty-two tableaus of states and central government departments were part of the 90-minute parade. The themes included an eclectic mix of folk dances, music and drama.
The overall theme for the Republic Day celebrations this year is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The tableaux of many states are themed on the Father of the Nation.
Woman power was on dazzling display at the parade, with an all-women Assam Rifles contingent in the lead and a woman officer part of the team performing bike stunts. Contingents of the Navy, Army Services Corps and a unit of Corps of Signals were led by women officers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in a yellowish orange turban, started the celebrations with a tribute to the martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi's India Gate in presence of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the three service chiefs.
Braving the winter chill, the 70th Republic Day was celebrated across Punjab and Haryana with enthusiasm. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh unfurled the national flag in Patiala and took salute from the marching contingents. He highlighted the steps taken by the government for the welfare of the people.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar hoisted the tricolour at a function at the Bhim Sports Complex in Bhiwani.
India celebrates Republic Day to honour the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949, and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, completing the country's transition towards becoming an independent republic.
26 January was chosen as the Republic day because it was on this day in 1930 when Declaration of Indian Independence (Purna Swaraj) was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress as opposed to the Dominion status offered by British Regime.
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