Republic Day celebrations through the years (in pics)

New Delhi: New Delhi's historic Rajpath has over a period of time become synonymous with the annual Republic Day event, but the boulevard that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate was not the venue of first Republic Day celebrations marking the birth of the Republic.India gained its independence on 15 August 1947, after which the process of preparing a Constitution was started.The Constitution was passed on 26 November 1949 by the Constituent Assembly. It was adopted on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system, when the country became a republic in the true sense. 26 th January was selected, because it was on this day in 1930 that the Indian National Congress at its session in Lahore on the banks of river Ravi passed the resolution of complete Swarajya. Exactly 65 years ago, after having thrown off the British colonial yoke, a free India assumed the mantle of a “Sovereign Democratic Republic” on January 26, and an amphitheatre named after an erstwhile Viceroy, became the venue for the festivities after the country got its first President.Watch in pics the Republic Day celebrations in years:Agni-II ballistic missile on display at Republic Day Parade 2004The unique BSF Camel Contingent during the annual Republic Day Parade.To mark the importance of the occasion, every year a grand parade is held in the capital, New Delhi, from the Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan (President's Palace), along the Rajpath, past India Gate.Before the procession begins, the President hoists the national flag. Bravery awards are handed over to selected officers of the armed force.Republic day is one of three national holidays in India, other two being Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanti.Madras Regiment marching in the Republic Day paradeThe Lion Capital at Rajpath decoratedPresident's Body Guards in their winter ceremonial dress.The 61st republic day parade at New Delhi on 26 Jan 2010The tableau of West Bengal on the theme 'Obeisance to Swami Vivekanand' - A Preview to 64th Republic Day ParadePrior to its commencement, the Prime Minister lays a floral wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, a memorial to unknown soldiers at the India Gate at one end of Rajpath, which is followed by two minutes silence in the memory of unknown soldiers.Surface-to-surface Agni V missile is displayed during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi.A tableau by the Maharashtra State during the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in 2011The Tableau of the Ministry of Water Resources in the Republic Day Parade-2008 Republic Day Parade Beating Retreat CeremonyThe Himachal tableau during the Republic Day parade on Rajpath in New Delhi, January 26, 2006. The tableau showcased the Monasteries of Lahaul-Spiti this year.Every part of country is represented in the parade, the tradition and lifestyle of India is presented through various Jhanki's and dress up's by entertainers present their.Nine to twelve different regiments of the Indian Army in addition to the Navy, and Air Force with their bands march past in all their finery and official decorations. The President of India who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces, takes the salute. Twelve contingents of various para-military forces of India and other civil forces also take part in this paradeOne of the unique sights of the parade is the camel mounted Border Security Force contingent, which is the only camel mounted military force in the world.Performers from Kerala state depict Mohiniyattam dance, foreground left and Kathakali dance on a tableau during a rehearsal for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi in 2013The tableau of Karnataka on the theme 'Kinnal : An Immortal Colour Craft'The tableau of Jharkhand on the theme 'Dokara Art'The tableau of Uttar Pradesh on the theme 'Brij Ki Holi'The tableau of Jammu & Kashmir on the theme 'Pashmina: Linking Tradition with Technology'The tableau of Delhi on the theme 'The Cultural Hub of the Country'