Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Jan. 26, 2015.Ministry of Defense, Government of India
India’s 66th Republic Day, which was celebrated Monday in New Delhi, was marked by several landmark events, including the first time that an American president was invited as chief guest at the annual event.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle were present at the two-hour long parade, which typically showcases the country's military might as well as its diversity.
All-woman contingent march:
The year marked the first time ever that an all-woman contingent from the Army, Navy and Air Force marched in the Republic Day parade.
All-woman contingent march at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Jan. 26, 2015.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
All-woman contingent from the Indian Air Force marching at the Delhi parade marking the 66th Republic Day of the country.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
All-woman contingent from the Indian Navy march during the Delhi parade marking the 66th Republic Day of the country.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Barack Obama, first U.S. president to be the chief guest:
The president and the first lady arrived at the event in their own vehicle, dubbed the "Beast," on Monday, which was marked by showers, and in a deviation from standard practice, the chief guests were not accompanied by India’s President Pranab Mukherjee.
U.S. President Barack Obama at the Republic Day parade along with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Jan. 26, 2015.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
U.S. President Barack Obama pulls up his collar as he arrives in the rain with first lady Michelle Obama to attend the Republic Day parade in New Delhi Jan. 26, 2015. Reuters/Jim Bourg
India's newest state, Telangana, debuts:
India's newest state, Telangana, made its debut in the Republic Day parade, displaying the state's illustrious festival "Bonalu."
Telangana state, which separated from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh as a new 29th state of India in June 2014, debuted for the first time during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi Jan. 26, 2015.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
And here are a few more photos of the event:
Highlights of India's 66th Republic Day event, which was held Monday, and was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as chief guest.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highlights of India's 66th Republic Day event, which was held Monday, and was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as chief guest.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highlights of India's 66th Republic Day event, which was held Monday, and was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as chief guest.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highlights of India's 66th Republic Day event, which was held Monday, and was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as chief guest.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highlights of India's 66th Republic Day event, which was held Monday, and was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as chief guest.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highlights of India's 66th Republic Day event, which was held Monday, and was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as chief guest.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
Highlights of India's 66th Republic Day event, which was held Monday, and was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama as chief guest.Ministry of Defence, Government of India
