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India's Republic Day parade is a colourful affair held in the heart of capital Delhi
India is set to celebrate its 74th Republic Day on Thursday with a colourful parade displaying military might and cultural diversity.
The public holiday marks the anniversary of India officially adopting its constitution, making it a sovereign republic.
Its highlight is a parade which is held in capital city Delhi and telecast live across the country.
Every year, the country also invites a foreign dignitary as the chief guest to the parade - this year, Egypt's president Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi is the guest of honour.
Thousands of people brave the January chill to watch the parade, which passes through the newly renovated Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath).
Soldiers from India's military regiments march past as India's president, prime minister and other guests watch on.
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Image caption,Military troops rehearse for weeks ahead of the parade
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Image caption,The country shows off its military might during the parade
Some regiments come astride camels and horses - which are also decked in colourful finery - accompanied by the sound of drums and bagpipes.
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Image caption,Camels and horses feature in the parade
There's an exciting aerial show, with fleets of aircraft streaking across the sky in dazzling formations.
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Image caption,Fighter aircrafts and helicopters fly over the parade in spectacular formations
The spectacle then makes way for elaborate floats or tableaux representing different Indian states.
These are usually based on cultural or historical milestones the states want to highlight. The mood is celebratory as performers dance and wave their way through the crowds.
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Different states and districts also conduct their own, smaller parades and cultural programmes.
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Image caption,School students perform during a rehearsal for a parade in Gurugram
Several government departments also have their own tableaux showcasing India's achievements in the fields of agriculture and science and technology.
"Three thousand men of the armed forces marched before the president. The artillery fired a thirty-one gun salute while Liberator planes of the Indian air force flew overhead," historian Ramachandra Guha wrote of the first parade in his book India After Gandhi.
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Image caption,The military parade has been an important part of India's Republic Day celebrations for decades
Over the years, the procession became longer and more colourful, and it's a matter of pride for Indian states and military regiments to be chosen to participate in it.
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