Nation celebrates its 66th Republic Day today with showing military prowess and achievements in different fields, state-of- the-art defence platforms, and its diverse cultural and social traditions also will be showcased at historic Rajpath.

This year's Chief Guest in the parade will be the United States President Barack Obama. US President Obama is the 1st US President to attend Republic Day Parade.

The highlights of this year's Parade will be the display of indigenously developed surface-to-air Akash medium range missile and Weapon Locating Radar both developed by the DRDO.

The recently acquired long range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine aircraft P-8I and the deadly long range advanced air fighter MiG-29 K will be seen for the first time.

This year's parade will also witness for the first time three all women marching contingents of the Army, Navy and the Air Force signifying women's powerful role in the realm of defence.

The parade ceremony will commence at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the Nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath.

An eternal flame burns at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the indomitable courage of our Armed Forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. The Amar Jawan, the immortal soldier, is symbolised by a reversed rifle standing on its barrel and rested by a soldier's helmet.

As per tradition, after unfurling of the National Flag, the National Anthem will be played with 21 gun salute.

The parade will then commence and the President will take the salute.

Tableaux from 16 States and 9 Central Ministries and Departments will present the varied historical, architectural and cultural heritage of the country.

The grand finale of the parade will be a spectacular flypast by the Indian Air Force.

Security has been beefed up in delhi in view of Repbulic day. Around 45,000 personnel will be deployed in New Delhi district comprising areas like Rajpath, India Gate, Vijay Chowk, south block and north block, Nirman Bhawan and Shashtri Bhawan etc apart from vital embassies in the Chanakyapuri area.