The blue curve of the bay garlanding south Mumbai’s Marine Drive glittered and glimmered on Republic Day as Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranaraynan for the first time in the history of the city hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the Queen’s Necklace.
Present on the occasion were not just Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan along with his entire Cabinet colleagues but also actor Salman Khan.
The traditional venue for the Republic Day Parade in Mumbai had always been the historic Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. However, it was decided to take the tableaux along with gleaming vintage cars and a cycle rally parallel to the promenade lapped by waves of Arabian Sea.
The Army, the Navy and the Air Force also participated in the parade, put up demonstrations and hair-raising display of their capabilities.
Apart from the display by the disciplinary forces in immaculate uniforms, cultural shows comprising folk dances from the hinterlands depicting the rich and varied heritage of the state mesmerised thousands of people who thronged both sides of the Marine Drive.
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