<br/>The country's vibrant cultural heritage, its impressive achievements and military might were on a majestic display on Tuesday as the country is celebrating the 61st Republic Day.<br/><br/>Marching down from the Raisina Hills to the Red Fort in the National capital, the Republic Day parade showcased the country's unity in diversity. The different regiments of the Army, Navy and Air Force march past in all their official splendor.<br/><br/>Despite the heavy fog, well turned out and synchronised military contingents marched proudly through the Rajpath where President and Supreme Commander of armed forces Pratibha Patil took the salute.<br/><br/>The march-past was watched by the Republic Day chief guest South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony and the country's top political and military brass, including UPA chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.<br/><br/>Minutes before the parade began, the Prime Minister, the Defence minister and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force laid wreaths at Amar Jawan Jyoti, the British-era World War-I memorial at India Gate, where an eternal flame burns in memory of those who laid down their lives while defending the nation's frontiers. <br/><br/>A heavy security blanket was thrown around the capital for the Republic Day celebrations. <br/><br/>After the President unfurled the tricolour, 21 guns boomed out in salute. The parade was led by Major General KJS Oberoi, General Officer Commanding of Delhi Area of the Army.<br/><br/>The fog played spoilsport as four Mi-17 helicopters, which were scheduled to shower flower petals on the spectators, failed to do so due to the weather conditions.<br/><br/>The Army showcased its impressive armoury before the nation which included the indigenous MBT Arjun, SMERCH Multiple Launch Rocket System and Armoured Engineer Recce Vehicle and Sarvatra Bridge.<br/><br/>The army also brought its state-of-the-art ICV Communication Vehicle besides Samyukta Electronic Warfare System, Infantry Fighting Vehicle 'Sarath' and Ambulance Tracked to the parade.<br/>Smartly-dressed Navy personnel then marched to the tunes of 'Jai Bharati' along with a tableau of INS Shivalik, which will be inducted shortly into the Indian Navy.