In pics: Republic Day parade 2021 at Rajpath in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate. (ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate. Defence Minister, Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Navy Staff also present. (ANI)

The Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, on 72nd Republic Day. (ANI)

21 Gun Salute presented by Ceremonial Battery of 223 Field Regiment following the unfurling of the national flag. The 21 Gun Salute is also presented during Independence Day and visits of foreign Heads of State. (ANI)

Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, leads this year's Republic Day parade, as the Parade Commander. (ANI)

Winners of the Param Vir Chakra & the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath. (ANI)

The main battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, which is commanded by Captain Karanveer Singh Bhangu of 54 Armoured Regiment goes past the saluting dais. (ANI)

Marching Contingent & Band of Bangladesh Army participate in Republic Day parade. The contingent is being led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan. The 122-member strong contingent is participating in the parade for the first time. (ANI)

The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system is led by Captain Quamrul Zaman. This missile has been developed as a joint venture between India and Russia. It has a maximum range of 400 km. (ANI)

Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System of 841 Rocket Regiment (Pinaka) being led by Capt Vibhor Gulati. 214 mm Pinaka MBRL is one of the most advanced rocket systems in world. A fully automated system, it can deliver firepower within a short span of time over large area

The marching contingent Garhwal Rifles is led by Captain Rajpoot Saurabh Singh of 17th Battalion. (ANI)

Naval Brass Band led by Sumesh Rajan, Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), playing the Indian Navy Song tune ‘Jai Bharti’ marches down Rajpath. (ANI)

Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) leads upgraded Schilka Weapon system. She is the only woman contingent commander from Army at Republic Day parade 2021. Schilka Weapon system is equipped with modern radar and digital fire control computers. (ANI)

Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, one of the first three female fighter pilots of the country, is part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade. (ANI)

Indian Navy's tableau with the theme of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ being displayed at Republic Day parade. (ANI)

The Camel contingent of the Border Security Force under the command of Deputy Commandant Ghanshyam Singh, at Rajpath on Republic Day. (ANI)

A contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG) also known as the Black Cat Commandoes march down Rajpath. The Force was raised in 1984. (ANI)

DRDO contingent this year consists of two Tableaus: Light Combat Aircraft-Navy - Take off from INS Vikramaditya and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles. (ANI)

NCC Girls marching contingent led by Senior Under Officer Samruddhi Harshal Sant of NCC Directorate, Maharashtra. (ANI)

The display of cultural tableaux begins at parade, with Ladakh leading. It's the first-ever tableau of the UT. It shows Ladakh's culture & communal harmony besides art & architecture, languages & dialects, customs & costumes, fairs & festivals, literature, music. (ANI)

Republic Day: A replica of the Sun Temple at Modhera displayed on the Gujarat tableau The tableau depicts the Sabhamandap, part of the Sun Temple. It’s 52 pillars denote 52 weeks of a Solar year. (ANI)

Delhi: With the theme of 'Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: Covid' the tableau of the Department of Biotechnology depicts the process of Covid-19 Vaccine development through various processes.

'Rudra’ formation comprising a Dakota aircraft flanked by 2 Mi-17 IV helicopters. Dakotas were instrumental in airlifting troops into Kashmir Valley to repel invaders from across border in 1947. They played a significant role in Tangail airdrop leading to Bangladesh's libeartion. (AN)

One Rafale with 2 Jaguar Deep penetration strike aircraft & 2 MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters, in 'Eklavya’ formation are the next to fly past, at a height of 300m & speed of 780 Km/h. The formation is led by Gp Capt Rohit Kataria, Flight Commander of 17 Squadron. (ANI)