As India celebrated its 68th Republic Day, the large crowds at Rajpath and millions more viewing the annual spectacle on television were left spellbound by the supreme skills of the intrepid men on their magnificent riding machines today.

Of the many displays that people look forward to and one that draws the most attention – and applause – is the top-notch riding and balancing skills of the motorcycle riders. This year too, the men in uniform performed their act to perfection.

The motorcycle display team of the Corps of Military Police, popularly known as ‘Shwet Ashwa’ (white horse), held everyone in awe as they performed a medley of well-coordinated display of stunt riding on 350cc Royal Enfield Bullets. These included different formations like Lotus, Christmas Tree, Sudarshan Chakra, Ladder and Pyramid, which had 60 riders being transported on 15 Royal Enfields in one formation. This was the largest pyramid ever made by any team on the Rajpath.

Then Lance Naik Santosh MK, speeding down the Rajpath  on a TVS Apache RTR 180, wheelied all the way, showcasing his prowess at riding on one wheel only.

The Indian automotive industry also found pride of place on the Skills India tableau, replete with a Maruti on board and service personnel, clearly indicating the importance of the domestic automobile and components industry in the country’s manufacturing sector.

The grand finale of the parade was a spectacular flypast by the IAF. It commenced with the ‘Chakra’ formation, comprising three Mi-35 helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. Trailing them was the ‘Netra’ which is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft also known as 'Eye in the Sky'. This was followed by the ‘Globe formation’ comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30 MKIs.

They were followed by the roar of five Jaguars flying in Arrowhead formation (above), while five MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters zipped across in Fulcrum style. 

Then came three Su-30 MKIs of No. 24 Squadron in ‘Trishul’ formation - they flew over Rajpath, and once in front of the saluting dais, split upwards, making a Trishul in the sky (above). The flypast concluded with another Su-30 MKI carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre .

All photographs courtesy: Press Information Bureau