<span style="color: #222222;">In Chennai, Tamil Nadu Governor Bunwarilal Purohit hoisted the national flag in an impressive Republic Day function. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He took salute of the parade by the contingents of Defence and paramilitary forces, the state police and students. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy gave away awards for gallantry and meritorious services. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Artistically designed flotillas depicting development schemes were also part of the grand Republic Day celebrations. Cultural performances including the Rauf Dance of Jammu and Kashmir, the sister-state of Tamil Nadu under the 'Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat' initiative, followed.<br />'' <br />''<br />''Most nooks and corners in the state are decked with the national tricolour and pride, as celebrations are being held by various associations and individuals.</span>