Mask on, march on: How India celebrated its 72nd Republic Day

India's 72nd Republic Day was not a regular one. Limping back to normalcy after being ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, the country celebrated a visibly curtailed Republic Day this year. However, even with masks adorning faces of spectators and performers of the annual parade in Delhi, the vibrancy of the event could not be hidden. Take a look at how India celebrated Republic Day:

A spectator wearing a face mask waits for the start of the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Members of Garhwal rifles contingent pass through Rajpath during the 72nd Republic Day celebrations, in New Delhi, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. Credit: PTI Photo

Soldiers march along Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Dancers perform during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 26, 2021. Credit: Reuters Photo

Indian Air Force (IAF) soldiers march during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, India, January 26, 2021. Credit: Reuters Photo

Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers on the camelback march along Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Soldiers march along Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Presidential Body Guards ride on their horses along Rajpath during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

People cycle on a road with national flags during Republic Day celebrations in Mumbai on January 26, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo

Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel celebrate Republic Day at a border outpost in Ladakh. Credit: PTI Photo

Youth hold a Covid-19 coronavirus-themed board during the Republic Day celebrations in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad on January 26, 2021. Credit: AFP Photo