India is ??? ?? ??gearing up for its 68th Republic Day on Jan. 26 and the capital city of New Delhi, host to a grand parade, has been taken over by dress rehearsals.
SEE ALSO: Obama in India: The top moments from the extravagant paradeThe annual parade is a grand affair. It sees a variety of drills from about 25 marching and mounted contingents, around 20 military bands, various military vehicles, 30 cultural tableaux, nearly 30 aircrafts, state-wise cultural performers, and 1,200 schoolchildren.
This year's parade will also see the United Arab Emirates soldiers marching with their Indian counterparts. UAE crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the chief guest of the parade.
Some of this year's themes to be showcased in the tableaux include 'Transforming India through Skill Development', 'Green India – Clean India', and 'Khadi India', the Indian Express reported.
These photographs capture the rigor, the paraphernalia and the vibrancy behind the extravaganza.
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