Fly-past thrills spectators as Republic Day parade comes to a conclusion

A dazzling display of aerial prowess by aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) left spectators thrilled as the Republic Day parade came to a conclusion.

As the planes and helicopters showcased their might during their flypast, hundreds of Tricolour balloons were released in the air, with the audience left spellbound.

The parade ended with a performance of the national anthem, following which, President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, chief guest US President Barack Obama, US First Lady Michelle Obama and other dignitaries were escorted off the saluting dais.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Republic Day parade chief guest US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at their arrival at the saluting dais at Rajpath.

Vice President Hamid Ansari arrived at the venue and shook hands with the Chief of the Army, Navy and Air Force Staff - General Dalbir Singh, Admiral RK Dhowan and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha respectively.

Prime Minister Modi also paid tribute at the 'Amar Jawan Jyoti', the memorial dedicated to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in service of the nation.

The Republic Day celebrations started with the unfurling of the national flag by the President.

India also witnessed the first march by women army, navy and air force personnel at the Republic Day parade.

President Mukherjee also presented the prestigious Ashok Chakra award to Major Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh posthumously.

During the parade, the 'Make in India' tableau stole the show. The float, which displayed a working model of the 'Make in India' lion, invited manufacturers and investors to participate in the initiative.

President Obama is the first U.S. president to attend the Republic Day celebrations and is also the first U.S. president to visit the country twice while in office.