Republic Day parade concludes with special appearance by Rafale aircraft

India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day today with a mellowed down yet vibrant display of its military and cultural might in the annual parade. Only 25,000 people were allowed to attend the ceremony at Rajpath as opposed to over one lakh spectators who usually attended the event every year. Even the parade was shorter this year and instead of marching up to the Red Fort, ended at the national stadium.

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Republic Day parade culminates with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’

The Karnataka tableau

The Delhi Tableau

The Uttar Pradesh tableau showing the proposed Ram Temple in the in Ayodhya

Ladakh with its first-ever tableau at the Republic Day Parade

Girl power on full display with NCC girls' marching contingent at Rajpath

The National Security Guard contingent showcasing its force

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The BSF Camel contingent taking part in the parade

Flight Lieutenant Bhawna Kant, the first female fighter pilot to participate in the Republic Day Parade

Kant was part of theIAF Tableau that showcased indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Light Combat Helicopters Rudra, Rohini Radar and BrahMos.

Different regiments of the Indian Army marching down the Rajpath, going past the saluting stage

Advanced light helicopters Rudra and Dhruv flying in diamond formation

The Army displaying the BrahMos missile system at the parade

Visuals from the parade showcasing India's military might

Bangladesh Army takes part in Republic Day parade

Tricolour hoisted at Rajpath; parade to begin soon

President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at Rajpath

PM Modi reaches Rajpath

Prime Minister Narendra Modi signs the ceremonial book at the National War Memorial at the India Gate Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Navy Staff also present

Spectators wearing facemasks sit along the Rajpath before the start of the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. | AFP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate

Warm wishes to all citizens of India on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day, says Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla unfurls the Tricolour at his residence

Bharatiya Janata Party President JP Nadda unfurls the national flag at party headquarters

ITBP soldiers celebrate India's 72nd Republic Day at 17,000 ft and -25°C in Ladakh

ITBP celebrates India's 72nd Republic Day amid snow-clad mountains

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Presidential Gallantry Awards to Indian Air Force personnel on the occasion of Republic Day 2021

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For the first time in 55 years, India will celebrate Republic Day in the national capital without a chief guest, due to the global situation arising from the coronavirus pandemic. As the country is set to celebrate its 72nd Republic Day, here's look at the most famous chief guests who visited India in the past to mark the day:

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For the first time in 55 years, the ceremony will not have a chief guest. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was invited to attend this year’s Parade but he cancelled his trip in light of the critical Covid-19 situation in Britain. Last year, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro had attended as chief guest.

Where can you watch?

People can stream the Republic Day Parade live and rewatch the highlights on an app developed by the government called 'Republic Day Parade 2021' or 'RDP 2021'.

This app will give live updates on routes to get to the parade and information about parking.

The parade can also be watched on DD News TV channel and its official YouTube channel. Most private channels are expected to air the parade live.

This year’s parade is expected to be attended by 25,000 people, a sharp decline from last year’s 1,50,000, owing to Covid-19 related protocols. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to attendthe parade. Tickets for the general public are only 4,500 this year.

The flag hoisting will take place at 8 am and the parade will begin at 9 am. The parade usually lasts till 11:30 am, but this year the timings could differ. The parade would be shorter than usual due to Covid-19.