India's 72nd Republic Day celebrations began with PM Modi paying homage to war heroes at National War Memorial. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted Indians all over the world on the occasion of India’s 72nd Republic Day. "Wishing all the people of India a Happy #RepublicDay. Jai Hind!" Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet in Hindi. 

India marked the 72nd Republic Day by showing its cultural, economic and military might. The ceremony commenced with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the National War Memorial. As per tradition, the national flag was unfurled followed by the national anthem with a booming 21-gun salute. 

As many as 32 tableaus -- 17 from states and union territories, six from the Defence ministry and nine from other Union ministries and paramilitary forces -- depicted the nation's rich cultural heritage, economic progress and defence prowess at the parade. Rafale fighter jets took part in the flypast for the the first time and the armed forces displayed T-90 tanks. A 122-member proud contingent of the Bangladesh armed forces also marched on Rajpath.

The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and the release of Tri-colour balloons.