India celebrates 70th Republic Day
Millions of Indians tuned in to watch a colorful display of the country's military power and culture in the capital city. The event marks the day in 1950 that India's first post-colonial constitution took effect.
All eyes on New Delhi
India's capital city hosted the largest Republic Day parade. The day marks the date in 1950 when India's first post-independence constitution took effect. The country had declared its independence from the British Empire three years earlier.
Military prowess
The Indian military plays an important role in the yearly celebrations, with soldiers, tanks and missiles often seen rolling down the ceremonial boulevard in the capital New Delhi. In Kolkata, a helicopter showered a Republic Day parade with flower petals.
Colorful parades
Military groups displayed colorful traditional headwear and military gear in the main parade in New Delhi. Here, Indian paramilitary soldiers march along the ceremonial boulevard. The parade ended with a dramatic flyover by the Indian air force.
Display of diversity
Groups of men, women and children wearing regional clothing held traditional performances throughout the country. Here, a schoolgirl holds a tricolor national flag during a performance in Jammu-Kashmir. Separatist militants in the state had called for strikes during the celebrations, but there were no reports of any violence in either state.
Remembering an icon
The theme this year was Mahatma Gandhi, India's pro-Independence leader. Ghandi, who spent some of his formative years in South Africa, advocated for peaceful means to achieve Indian secession from the British Empire. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the New Delhi parade as the guest of honor.