Vibrant parades and colourful cultural programmes and tableaux highlighting the cultural legacy and achievements of states today marked the Republic Day celebrations across the country which passed off peacefully amid tight security.
Tricolour was unfurled by state Governors at events held in the state capitals, where they also highlighted issues of immediate concern.
Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, who presided the function at MA stadium in Jammu, said India remains committed to maintaining friendly relations with all its neighbours and the Prime Minister has launched fresh initiatives for securing peaceful relations with Pakistan
In Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asghar Samoon took the salute at the march past at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where the main function in the Valley was held amid tight security.
Despite bone-chilling cold, good turnout was witnessed at the Republic day functions at various district headquarters in the Valley, officials said in Srinagar.
It was for the second time in as many years that a civilian administrator presided over the Republic Day function at Bakshi Stadium due to Governor's Rule in the state.
"The Republic Day celebrations have concluded across Kashmir peacefully with no untoward incident reported from anywhere in the Valley," a senior police officer said.
A strike was called by separatist groups asking the people to observe it as a 'black day' though offices and business establishments were already closed on account of it being a national holiday.
Deputy Commissioners of respective districts presided over the Republic Day functions. Besides march past by contingents of police, police, CRPF, BSF and school children, cultural programmes were performed at the functions .
Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, while addressing the gathering at Shivjai Park in Mumbai, said the state was working towards the goal of making Maharashtra a "open defecation free" state and 50 towns in the state will become 'Swachh' by the end of 2016.
Bihar Governor Ram Nath Kovind said that rule of law and communal harmony prevailed in the state.
"A check has been imposed on organised crime and this will continue in the future too," Kovind said in Patna's Gandhi Maidan, adding the state has adopted a policy of zero tolerance on corruption and stringent action is being taken against the corrupt.
In Chandigarh, Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki unfurled the national flag at a function while Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal presided over the function at Bathinda as Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal was indisposed.
In Kolkata, Governor K N Tripathi hoisted the tricolour and took salute at the march past of armed forces and police forces at Red Road.
Colourful parade and procession with decorated tableaux portraying the state's culture and heritage were highlights of the programme, which was attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her cabinet colleagues.
No untoward incident was reported from the insurgency-hit states in the North-East.
Nagaland Governor P B Acharya gave a call for NSCN(K) and other Naga underground groups to leave the path of violence.
Addressing the Republic day gathering in Kohima, the Governor said that peace is a pre-requisite for economic growth and social well-being of the citizens and the framework agreement signed between the Centre and the NSCN(IM) on August 3, 2015 is a momentous development which deserves to be welcomed by all.
There were celebrations along the border too. Indian and Pakistani troops along the Line of Control (LoC) Jammu and Kashmir today exchanged sweets at three places on the occasion.
A unit of 12 Infantry Brigade of the Army exchanged sweets with their Pakistan counterparts at Kaman Post in Uri sector on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Road, defence sources said. They said sweets were also exchanged with Pakistani troops at Teetwal in Tangdhar sector of Kashmir.
Despite ceasefire violations and infiltration bids from across the border, exchange of sweets between army personnel of India and Pakistan along the LoC on their respective days of national importance is a regular feature, barring a few times when tensions have heightened.
Mizoram Governor Lt General Nirbhay Sharma, who unfurled
the tricolour at the Assam Rifles ground at Aizawl, recognised the support of civil societies, voluntary organisations and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace in the state.
He said the state government was committed to continue the flagship programme of the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) and has decided to extend the programme for another five years.
In Arunachal Pradesh, which is facing a political turmoil, Governor Jyoti Prashad Rajkhowa hoisted the flag at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar and gave a call to make the administration corruption-free.
"Let us join hands to fight the menace of the hydra-headed monster called corruption, otherwise good governance will be a far cry," he said.
Rajkhowa laid emphasis on constitution of Lokayukta on priority basis. Such an initiative would ensure delivery of speedy justice at a reasonable cost, he said.
In Gujarat, Governor O P Kohli unfurled the national flag at Veraval town of Gir-Somnath district in presence of Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.
The state-level programme was held in Gir-Somnath district as per the tradition started by the former chief minister and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to observe such functions outside the capital city of Gandhinagar.
In the Gujarat High Court acting chief justice Jayant Patel unfurled the flag.
In Jharkhand, Governor Droupadi Murmu said agricultural development was the top priority for the government though industrial progress is also necessary to achieve progress.
The government is focused on providing a balanced, inclusive and environment-friendly development, she said.
"...Efforts are on for setting up ITI and two development centres each in 10 naxal-affected districts of Chatra, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Palamau, Latehar, Garhwa, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Lohardaga, and Gumla," she said.
To make the state investment-friendly, she said labour laws were being simplified and the state has already put in place Jharkhand Industrial Park Act 2015, Food Processing Industry Act and other legislations.
Governor ESL Narasimhan hoisted the national flag at Hyderabad and Vijaywada. Narasimhan outlined the Andhra Pradesh government's vision to eliminate social and economic disparities.
Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah unfurled the national flag as Chetak helicopter showered flower petals near the Mahatma Gandhi statue on the famous Marina beach stretch.
On the occasion Chief Minister Jayalalithaa presented the annual awards to police personnel and civilians.
Several tableaux by the defence forces, including that of Battle Tank Bhishma T-90s, Ajeya Tank, a replica of Indian Naval Ship Chennai, similar to INS Shivalik, were displayed in the parade.
Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa presented the Gandhi Adigal Awards, Anna Gallantry Medals and Kottai Ameer Award for communal harmony to various recipients.
Addressing the Republic Day function in Thiruvanathpuram Kerala Governor Justice (Rtd) P Sathasivam stressed upon the need of conducting the legislative business in a 'meaningful manner'.
Since ours is a pluralistic society, it is imperative we attain inclusive growth, maintain communal harmony and sustain human dignity, he said.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior officials were also present.
Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan hoisted the flag at Kerala High Court in Kochi.
