India is celebrating 69th Republic Day today. On January 26, 1950 the Indian Constitution came into effect and since then, every year, the nation celebrates Republic Day.
From culturally-diverse parades and state-wise tableaux to military display, the day is celebrated with great pomp and splendour.
For the first time 10 leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN are the chief guests at the ceremonial parade, held at Rajpath, in New Delhi.
For the heads of the ASEAN – Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei – the stage has been enclosed by bullet-proof glass.
This year the stage has been made 100 feet wide, three times bigger than the last year.
The parade will be presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers, top leaders from political parties and senior officials will attend the event.
