Republic Day 2021: India puts its military might, cultural heritage on show

The contingents only marched a distance of 3.5 km instead of the usual 8.5 km, and for the first time in 55 years, no foreign dignitary attended the January 26 parade

In a display of India’s military might, Rafale fighter jets took part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time as the armed forces showcased their T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system and Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets on the Rajpath today.
 
Depicting the nation’s rich cultural heritage and economic progress, 17 tableaux from states and union territories and nine from different Union ministries and paramilitary forces took part in the 72nd Republic day parade. Six tableaux of the defence ministry also attended the event. Also on display were Bajasal, a folk dance from Kalahandi in Odisha, the