Rafale fighter jets were one of major attractions during Republic Day parade this year.
An unprecedented security cover has been put in place in and around Delhi for Republic Day. While the main traditional event was held at Rajpath where India's military might and cultural diversity was on display, farmers' tractor rally across several routes in the national capital will keep the security forces on their toes. One of the major attractions at this year's Republic Day parade was the flypast by Rafale fighter jets. Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system also enthralled the audience. Total 32 tableaus -- 17 from states and union territories, six from the Defence ministry, and nine from other Union ministries and paramilitary forces -- depicting the nation's rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess also rolled down the Rajpath at the Republic Day parade. For the first time, the 122-member contingent of the Bangladesh armed forces also marched on Rajpath.
Republic Day Parade 2021: Highlights
12:30 AM: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unfurled the national flag in Panchkula.
11:40 AM: Republic Day parade culminates with a single Rafale aircraft flying at a speed of 900km/hr carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’. The aircraft is piloted by Gp Capt Harkirat Singh, Shaurya Chakra, Commanding Officer of 17 Squadron with Sqn Ldr Kislaykant.
11:33 AM: The ‘Trinetra’ formation comprising of three Su-30MKIs - the three aircraft split outwards and upwards, forming a ‘Trishul in the Sky’. The formation is led by Gp Capt AK Misra. Commanding Officer of 15 Squadron with Sqn Ldr RC Kulkarni. 
11:25 AM: 'Rudra’ formation comprising a Dakota aircraft flanked by 2 Mi-17 IV helicopters. Dakotas were instrumental in airlifting troops into Kashmir Valley to repel invaders from across border in 1947. They played a significant role in Tangail airdrop leading to Bangladesh's libeartion.
11:14 AM: With the theme of 'Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: COVID' the tableau of the Department of Biotechnology depicts the process of COVID-19 Vaccine development through various processes. 
10:53 AM:
Designed after the theme 'Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh', the tableau of Uttar Pradesh also displays Ram Mandir.
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
The forepart of the middle tableau shows Deepotsava of Ayodhya, in which millions of earthen lamps are lit. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/FCnNOv7Z4n
10:50 AM: Tableau of Punjab showcases the glory of 9th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Tableau of Punjab showcases the glory of 9th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The tableau has the theme '400th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur'.
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
The end of the trailer shows Gurdwara Sri Rakab Ganj Sahib, the site of cremation of Guru Tegh Bahadur.#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/LAY7WkeKHF
10:40 AM: A replica of the Sun Temple at Modhera displayed on the Gujarat tableau.
Republic Day: A replica of the Sun Temple at Modhera displayed on the #Gujarat tableau
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
The tableau depicts the Sabhamandap, part of the Sun Temple. It’s 52 pillars denote 52 weeks of a Solar year. pic.twitter.com/ga2jBMz75G
10:37 AM: The display of cultural tableaux begins at Republic Day parade, with Ladakh leading. It's the first-ever tableau of the UT.
The display of cultural tableaux begins at #RepublicDay parade, with Ladakh leading. It's the first-ever tableau of the UT.
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
It shows Ladakh's culture & communal harmony besides art & architecture, languages & dialects, customs & costumes, fairs & festivals, literature, music. pic.twitter.com/jdBN8KFlE4
10:35 AM:
DRDO contingent this year consists of two Tableaus: Light Combat Aircraft-Navy - Take off from INS Vikramaditya and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles. #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/YgaQq7MIAl
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
10:32 AM: Indian Navy's tableau with the theme of ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’ being displayed at Republic Day parade. The trailer of tableau showcases Navy’s principal combatant in 1971 war, INS Vikrant conducting flying operations with Sea Hawk and Alize aircrafts.
10:30 AM: Flt Lt Bhawna Kanth, one of the first three female fighter pilots of the country, is part of the Indian Air Force tableau at the Republic Day parade
10:28 AM: Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) leads upgraded Schilka Weapon system.
Captain Preeti Choudhary of 140 Air Defence Regiment (Self Propelled) leads upgraded Schilka Weapon system. She is the only woman contingent commander from Army at #RepublicDay parade 2021.
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
Schilka Weapon system is equipped with modern radar and digital fire control computers. pic.twitter.com/2FKa38lXA8
10:26 AM: Naval Brass Band led by Sumesh Rajan, Master Chief Petty Officer (Musician), playing the Indian Navy Song tune ‘Jai Bharti’ marches down Rajpath
10:23 AM: The marching contingent Garhwal Rifles is led by Captain Rajpoot Saurabh Singh of 17th Battalion
#RepublicDay parade: The marching contingent Garhwal Rifles is led by Captain Rajpoot Saurabh Singh of 17th Battalion pic.twitter.com/52x7k2KXLS
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
10:22 AM: Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System of 841 Rocket Regiment (Pinaka) being led by Capt Vibhor Gulati.
Pinaka Multi Launcher Rocket System of 841 Rocket Regiment(Pinaka)being led by Capt Vibhor Gulati
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
214 mm Pinaka MBRL is one of the most advanced rocket systems in world. A fully automated system, it can deliver firepower within a short span of time over large area#RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/HC8ChBPOed
10:21 AM: The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system is led by Captain Quamrul Zaman.
#RepublicDay: The Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the Brahmos Missile system is led by Captain Quamrul Zaman.
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
This missile has been developed as a joint venture between India and Russia. It has a maximum range of 400 km. pic.twitter.com/EMc4zfnhCo
10:20 AM: Marching Contingent and Band of Bangladesh Army participate in Republic Day parade. The contingent is being led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan.
Marching Contingent & Band of Bangladesh Army participate in #RepublicDay parade. The contingent is being led by Lt Col Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawan.
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
The 122-member strong contingent is participating in the parade for the first time. pic.twitter.com/K4rym6bQQO
10:16 AM: The main battle tank of the Indian Army, T- 90 Bhishma, which is commanded by Captain Karanveer Singh Bhangu of 54 Armoured Regiment goes past the saluting dais.
10:12 AM: Winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath. Param Vir Chakra is awarded for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy. Ashok Chakra awarded for similar acts of valour and self-sacrifice but, other than, in the face of the enemy.
Winners of the Param Vir Chakra and the Ashok Chakra parade down Rajpath.
10:10 AM: Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, leads this year's Republic Day parade, as the Parade Commander.
Delhi: Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra, leads this year's #RepublicDay parade, as the Parade Commander. pic.twitter.com/zmdY9XnisQ
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
10:00 AM: The Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries
Delhi: The Tricolour unfurled at Rajpath in the presence of President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries, on 72nd #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/h4FjOzRI2B
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
09:57 AM: President Ram Nath Kovid arrives at Rajnath, Delhi
09:51 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at Rajpath, Delhi.
09:42 AM: PM Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate.
#RepublicDay: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the nation in paying tribute to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial at the India Gate pic.twitter.com/mDX47YYVfr
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
09:37 AM: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unfurled the Tricolour at his residence
09:34 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrive at National War Memorial
09:21 AM: Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurls the tricolour at SAF Ground in Rewa.
09:14 AM: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unfurled the national flag at his residence in Patna.
09:10 AM: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unfurls the Tricolour at his residence in Lucknow.
09:02 AM: Spectators at Delhi's Rajpath seated following strict social distancing protocols due to COVID-19
#RepublicDay: Spectators at Delhi's Rajpath seated following strict social distancing protocols due to COVID19 pic.twitter.com/et8LZmdFQE
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
08:54 AM: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla unfurls Tricolour at his residence
08:42 AM: Tamil Nadu Guv Banwarilal Purohit lays wreath at War Memorial at Rajaji Salai, in Chennai.
08:29 AM: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal unfurls the national flag on Republic Day. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also present.
08:13 AM: Security heightened at Connaught Place and Mother Teresa Crescent Marg
07:58 AM: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot hoists the Tricolour at CM residence in Jaipur.
07:38 AM: Preparations in final stages at Rajpath for Republic Day parade. Limited number of audience has been allowed in view of the pandemic. Seating provisions have been done keeping in mind social distancing norms.
Delhi: Preparations in the final stage for the #RepublicDay parade at #Rajpath; seating arrangement made keeping social distancing in mind pic.twitter.com/gOmWRGVwHg
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2021
07:32 AM: Republic Day parade at Rajpath and farmers' tractor rally - Check full list of roads to avoid in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and other areas.
07:28 AM: We faced an expansionist move on our borders, but our valiant soldiers foiled it: President Ram Nath Kovind. Read Full Text of President's address to nation on the eve of Republic Day 2021.
07:23 AM: The country's largest paramilitary force CRPF has been bestowed with the highest number of 73 gallantry medals for undertaking counter-terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir and in various Maoist violence affected states. It also earned four Kirti Chakras announced by the Ministry of Defence on the occasion of Republic Day.
07:18 AM: President Ram Nath Kovind has approved the conferment of 119 Padma awards on the occasion of Republic Day. Shinzo Abe gets Padma Vibhushan, Ram Vilas Paswan Padma Bhushan. Here's the full list of 2021 Padma awardees.
07:13 AM: Republic Day 2021: India to show military might, cultural heritage at Rajpath
India will show its military might on Tuesday with Rafale fighter jets taking part in the Republic Day flypast for the first time and the armed forces showcasing T-90 tanks, the Samvijay electronic warfare system, Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, among others | READ MORE HERE
07:06 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes people on the occasion of 72nd Republic Day.
देशवासियों को गणतंत्र दिवस की ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। जय हिंद!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 26, 2021
Wishing all the people of India a Happy #RepublicDay. Jai Hind!
