Multi-hued images of India's rich cultural diversity and military might as well as achievements in diverse fields unfolded on Monday at the 66th Republic Day parade which had a US President Barack Obama as the Chief Guest for the first time.

The unfurling of the tricolour by the President and playing of the national anthem were followed by a customary 21-gun salute.

As the nearly two-hour-long parade, showcasing the country's 'unity in diversity' marched down the Rajpath in drizzle and overcast skies, thousands of spectators gathered along the route and cheered in joy.

The national capital was wrapped in unprecedented security blanket as thousands of security personnel kept a hawk's vigil in and around the Rajpath area.

Obama was seated next to Modi, donning a multicoloured 'bandhej safa'(turban), as the two leaders chatted and enjoyed the annual spectacle. A smiling US President was seen nodding in appreciation on several occasions.

The Make in India tableau stole the show at the Republic Day parade. The float, which displayed a working model of the ‘Make in India’ lion, invited manufacturers and investors to participate in the initiative.

As part of the seven-layered security, around 45,000 security personnel were deployed across the city while the commandos of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and Delhi Police kept a hawk-eye vigil at important locations.

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The grand finale of the parade - A spectacular flypast by the IAF jets and aircraft

The flypast commenced with 'Chakra' formation, comprising three Mi-35 helicopters in 'Vic' formation, followed by the 'Hercules' formation comprising three C-130J super Hercules aircraft.

Trailing them was a 'Poseidon' formation comprising one P-8I aircraft flanked by two MiG-29Ks and the 'Globe' formation comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30s.

Republic Day | Spectacular flypast by IAF with 'Chakra' ,'Poseidon' and 'Globe' formation http://t.co/y4NRemWksr pic.twitter.com/o02Te2ACGO — dna (@dna) January 26, 2015

Next five Jaguars flew in Arrowhead formation and the five MiG-29 fighters, called the 'Tridents', flew in 'Fulcrum' style.

Three Sukhoi (Su-30 MkI) fighter jets then made the "Trishul" formation by flying over the Rajpath, and once in front of the saluting dais, the three aircraft split upwards, making a 'Trishul' in the sky.

The flypast concluded with another Su-30 MkI carrying out a "Vertical Charlie" manoeuvre over the saluting dais.

Tableaux of Gujarat's float featuring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Gujarat presented the tableau on the theme of Statue of Unity - Sardar Sarovar project. It relates to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to build a giant statue of country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the state.

Republic Day | Tableaux of Gujarat's float featuring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel http://t.co/y4NRemWksr pic.twitter.com/KIh6ZpTKZL — dna (@dna) January 26, 2015

The highlight of the celebration was Mass P-T display, mass dance and songs by children from different educational institutions.

Republic Day | Dance performances by various schools http://t.co/y4NRemWksr pic.twitter.com/4amPFOWnwA — dna (@dna) January 26, 2015

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Obama watching the Republic Day dances

#RepublicDay : PM & President Obama watching the RDay dances pic.twitter.com/AWZXiBGakK — PIB India (@PIB_India) January 26, 2015

The Make in India tableau stole the show at the Republic Day parade. The float, which displayed a working model of the ‘Make in India’ lion, invited manufacturers and investors to participate in the initiative.

Republic Day Live | 'Make In India' float at Rajpath | http://t.co/y4NRemWksr pic.twitter.com/E1SRIMR6HN — dna (@dna) January 26, 2015