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New Delhi: Jan 26 (PTI) Multi-hued images of the country's rich cultural
heritage and military prowess were showcased at the magnificent Rajpath here
today as the nation celebrated the 59th Republic Day amid tight security.
The colourful parade, the main attraction of the national celebrations, marched
down the street connecting magnificent Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate as
President Pratibha Patil took the customary 21-gun salute.
Soldiers in battle regalia, scintillating show of air power, impressive floats
depicting the diverse culture, the country's prized armament and hundreds of
colourfully-dressed dancing school children were part of the parade.
The march-past was watched by visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy, the
chief guest, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the
country's top political and military brass besides the diplomatic community.
A large number of enthusiastic people came to witness the parade that culminated
at the historic Mughal monument of Red Fort.
Minutes before the parade began, the Prime Minister, Defence Minister A K Antony
and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force laid wreaths at 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the
war memorial at the India Gate where an eternal flame burns in memory of those
who laid their lives defending the frontiers of the nation.
A massive ground-to-air security apparatus was put in place in the national
capital in the wake of intelligence warning about possible strikes by
terrorists.
Snipers of National Security Guards were deployed at all high-rises along the
parade route. | 
