New Delhi | Jagran News Desk: India on Sunday celebrated its 71st Republic Day with a 90-minute parade at the Rajpath in New Delhi. The chief guest for the event was President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro. During the parade, India showcased its military might accompanied with many firsts for the parade.

A total of 22 tableaux from 16 states, UTs and 6 central ministries and departments took part in the majestic parade at Delhi's Rajpath. Certain states, such as Bengal and Kerala, were not be represented after their tableau ideas were rejected by the centre.

In a tweet this morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation. "Wishing everyone a happy #RepublicDay," PM Modi wrote.

Here are five things which happened for the first time in this year’s Republic Day Parade: 

Breaking the years-long tradition of paying tributes at the Amar Jawan Jyoti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today paid tributes to the soldiers who died fighting for the country at National War Memorial.  His visit that came of ahead of the majestic parade at Rajpath marked the start of Republic Day celebrations.

For the first time, an all-women contingent of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) made its debut at the Republic Day parade. Headed by Inspector Seema Nag, who is posted with Rapid Action Force (RAF), the contingent presented various acts of bike riding and concluded with forming a human pyramid on motorcycles.  

 

For the first in Republic Day parade, one of the most keenly awaited segments of the parade, the ‘Trishul’ fly-past was performed by three Advanced Light Helicopters. This was the first time a tri-service formation took part in Republic Day parade. The ‘Trishul’ formation was followed by ‘VIC’ formation of Chinook helicopters.   

In a show of military strength, Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT) from Mission Shakti, the Dhanush artillery, the newly-inducted Chinook heavy lift and Apache attack choppers were displayed for the first time during the parade at the majestic Rajpath.

The contingent of the Corps of Army Air Defence marched the Republic Day parade for the first time.  It was followed by the Combined Band of Bengal Engineers Group and Centre, Brigade of Guards Training Centre, 3 Electronics and Mechanical Engineers Centre and Madras Regimental Centre.