New Delhi, January 26: The Republic Day parade this year was themed with the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, with all state governments being instructed by the Defence Ministry to honour the "Father of the Nation" through their respective tableaus. Obliging with the order, the states stressed on the Mahatma's message, promoting secularism, pluralism, unity, diversity and cleanliness through their displays at the Rajpath.

Apart from the states and the central government departments, the spectacle in the national capital was lit up by the military might displayed by the armed forces. While the Indian Army tableau highlighted the strengths of our forces, the Indian Air Force (IAF) displayed their extravagant air formation skills -- which concluded the marquee R-Day event. Republic Day 2019 Parade: As It Happened.

Republic Day Parade 2019 Highlights: Military Might, India's Diversity Displayed at Rajpath, See Pictures & Videos

  • All-Women Contingent Marching For First Time at Rajpath

  • Military Strength Displayed Before President

  • Lance Naik Nazir Ahmed Wani Conferred Upon With Ashok Chakra (Posthumous)

  • Railways Recall How it Catalysed Gandhi's Connect With Whole of India

  • 'How's The Josh' Resonates at Rajpath

  • Daredevils Amaze Spectators With Heart-Throbbing Bike Stunts

  • IAF Steals The Show With Air Formations

The Chief Guest of Honour at Republic Day 2019 was South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The decision to invite him resonates with the fact that he, along with his political mentor Nelson Mandela, have expressed deep commitment to the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi -- whose 150th birth anniversary is being celebrated this year.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 26, 2019 12:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).