Striking pictures that capture celebration of India's 68th Republic Day

India is celebrating its 68th Republic Day today and the country’s military might and diversity is at full display on the majestic Rajpath. The Republic Day Parade on Rajpath witnessed tableaux from 17 states and six ministries of the Union government. Here are the pictures:

PM Narendra Modi with the Chief Guest of the Republic Day, The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of U.A.E. Armed Forces, General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.

The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee giving away the Highest Gallantry Award Ashoka Chakra to Havildar Hangpan Dada, the Assam Regiment 35th Battalion the Rashtriya Rifles posthumously, the award received by his wife Mrs. Chasen Lowang Dada, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, at Rajpath.

The tableau of Assam portrays the holy shrine of Kamakhya that renders prominence to its capital metropolis – Guwahati. Established atop Nilachal hills in Guwahati, the Kamakhya shrine is considered as one of the greatest Shaktipeeths of the country. During the Ambubachi festival, the temple draws worshippers from the whole of India and abroad. Kamakhya temple is different from other temples as it has no image or idol for worship.

The tableau depicts the Yak Dance, one of the most famous pantomimes of the Mahayana sect of Buddhist Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The masked dancer represents the members of a family who are said to have discovered the Yak with the help of a magical bird hundreds of years ago. The Yak is the most useful animal of these tribes owing its multipurpose uses.

This year is being commemorated as the 160th birth anniversary of the honoured freedom fighter, Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak. Known popularly as Lokmanaya, meaning revered by the people, Tilak was one of the first leaders of the Indian Independence movement. A freedom activist and a social reformer, he was also a mathematician, news reporter, editor, writer and orator. He committed himself to bring about awakening in the society and nation building so as to liberate India from the oppressive rule of the British.

The tableau of the Central Board of Excise Customs CBEC passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.

The tableau of the CPWD passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.

The tableau of the Council of Scientific Industrial Research CSIR passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.

The tableau of the Ministry of Housing Urban Poverty Alleviation passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017, in New Delhi on January 26, 2017.

The tableau of the Ministry of Skill Development Entrepreneurship passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 68th Republic Day Parade 2017.

Akash Missile System along with other mechanised columns rolling down the Rajpath 68th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Thursday.

DRDO's Advance Towed Artillery Gun System ATAGS being displayed at Rajpath during the 68th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi

BRAHMOS and other mechanised columns rolling down the Rajpath during 68th Republic Day Parade.

NSG commandos take part during the 68th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath.

BSF camel mount contingent take part during the 68th Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi on Thursday.