69th R-Day celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Bengal

Kolkata: The 69th Republic Day was celebrated with pomp and gaiety across West Bengal amidst tight security on Friday.

A hovering military helicopter showered rose petals from over the venue of official programme here to greet the dignitaries including Governor K N Tripathi and other dignitaries.

Extending his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion, Tripathi said everybody should resolve to secure the dreams of founding fathers of the nation.

"We must renew our pledge for unity and national integrity of our nation on this very special occasion," he said in a statement.

Tripathi hoisted the national Tricolour at Red Road in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

A host of her cabinet colleagues, senior officials of the state and three wings of the Indian Armed Forces were also present there.

Tripathi also presided over an hour-long march past of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the police forces and civilians, including school students.

The chief minister also greeted people on this occasion.

Thousands of people gathered at Red Road to witness the Republic Day parade.

A major attraction of the procession was the tableaux that displayed the Army's guns, rocket launchers and spyder missiles. The motorbike stunts performed by the Army personnel were also cheered by the audience.

The 'unity in brotherhood' tableau from the state, which was rejected by the Centre for this Republic Day procession, was also included in the Red Road parade on Friday.