Current:Home > InvestAP Photos: Indians rejoice in colorful Republic Day parade with the French president as chief guest -FinanceAcademy
AP Photos: Indians rejoice in colorful Republic Day parade with the French president as chief guest
ViewDate:2025-04-28 08:48:13
NEW DELHI (AP) — Indians cheered hundreds of men and women in colorful costumes as they played marches, performed traditional dances and pulled motorbike stunts during India’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Friday.
Thousands of people braved winter chills and mist in the Indian capital as the parade showcased the country’s military hardware and cultural heritage.
It included a camel-mounted regiment with its mustachioed riders, and floats depicting India’s moon lander, its first indigenous aircraft carrier and the Hindu god Lord Ram. India dedicated a controversial temple to Lord Ram earlier this week, built on the site of a demolished mosque.
Women had a more prominent position than in previous parades. It was led by a group of over 100 female musicians, and an all-female unit of soldiers marched in the parade for the first time.
Toward the end of the 90-minute parade, the sun broke through the clouds as dozens of aircraft and helicopters zoomed past overhead.
Republic Day parades also took place in state capitals and other cities across India.
French President Emmanuel Macron was the chief guest at India’s 75th Republic Day event, which marked the anniversary of the adoption of the country’s Constitution on Jan. 26, 1950, nearly three years after independence from British colonial rule.
Macron arrived with India’s President Draupadi Murmu in a ceremonial British-era horse-drawn carriage. It was an unexpected sight, as the carriage made a comeback 40 years after it was given up in 1984 in favor of an automobile.
Tanks, missile systems, infantry combat vehicles, radar systems and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems were displayed at the New Delhi parade, with hundreds of men from police and military battalions marching along.
The parade took place on Rajpath Avenue, built by India’s former British rulers, which was redeveloped as part of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of Indian independence and renamed Kartavayapath, or the Boulevard of Duty. It is lined by huge lawns, canals and rows of trees.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- Demi Lovato opens up about how 'daddy issues' led her to chase child stardom, success
- Possible human limb found floating in water off Staten Island
- Ciara Is Pregnant, Expecting Baby With Husband Russell Wilson
- Sandra Bullock's Sister Shares How Actress Cared for Boyfriend Bryan Randall Before His Death
- Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
- Riley Keough Reveals Name of Her and Husband Ben Smith-Petersen's Baby Girl
- New national monument comes after more than a decade of advocacy by Native nations
- MLB power rankings: The Angels kept (and helped) Shohei Ohtani, then promptly fell apart
- Illinois governor calls for resignation of sheriff whose deputy fatally shot Black woman in her home
- Justin Timberlake Makes an Unexpected Surprise During Jessica Biel’s Grueling Ab Workout
Ranking
- Carolinas bracing for second landfall from Tropical Storm Debby: Live updates
- Man suspected in 2 weekend killings dies in police shooting
- Powerful storms killed 2 people and left more than 1 million customers without power
- Boater missing for day and a half rescued off Florida coast in half-submerged boat
- 51 Must-Try Stress Relief & Self-Care Products for National Relaxation Day (& National Wellness Month)
- Judge rejects Trump's counterclaim against E. Jean Carroll
- 'Less lethal shotguns' suspended in Austin, Texas, after officers used munitions on 15-year-old girl
- Book excerpt: My Name Is Iris by Brando Skyhorse
Recommendation
How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
'A full-time job': Oregon mom's record-setting breastmilk production helps kids worldwide
Cost of Missouri abortion-rights petition challenged in court again
3 killed by landslides at base camp of a Hindu temple in northern India; 17 others still missing
Judge tells Google to brace for shakeup of Android app store as punishment for running a monopoly
Month-old walrus rescued 4 miles inland: Watch him get 'round-the-clock' care and cuddles
Orioles indicate broadcaster will be back after reports he was pulled over unflattering stats
Pope Francis restates church is for everyone, including LGBTQ+ people