National pride was on full display as families flocked to Expo 2020 Dubai to celebrate India's 73rd Republic Day.
Children took part in musical and dance performances, while many in the joyous crowds were decked out in green and saffron, the colours of India's flag.
The day is observed by Indian citizens all over the world to commemorate the Indian constitution coming into effect in 1950.
India's consul general in Dubai
Visitors soaked up a carnival atmosphere at the vast world's fair site, at which the Indian pavilion has been one of the most popular attractions.
Dancers in bright costumes matched steps with musicians on drums in performances that were held inside the striking pavilion and spilt on to the Expo streets.
Dr Aman Puri, India’s consul general in Dubai, spoke of India's long-standing ties with the Emirates and how special it was for its community of more than 3 million Indians to observe the day in the UAE.
“This is a special moment for both India and the UAE as we mark 75 years of independence and UAE celebrates the fiftieth National Day. The historical bond has grown from strength to strength and is today at the crossroads of exciting collaborations and partnerships in future,” he said, in a speech addressing the community outside the India pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“Celebrating national days in the UAE with one of the largest Indian diaspora overseas holds a special place. I thank the many community members and various associations who individually and in co-ordination with the consulate took several steps to help our brothers and sisters in need during the most difficult days of the pandemic.”
He said the UAE had caught the world’s attention by safely hosting the Expo, the largest event held during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The UAE leadership and authorities have pulled off extraordinary success by bringing together 192 countries to explore new horizons.”
Dr Puri said India’s participation was the largest at any Expo and the country's popular pavilion would remain as a hub for collaborations between the two countries when the event ends in March.
“At the core of these partnerships remains the immense goodwill that both the countries share,” he said.
“We value our partnership with the UAE and will continue to work with all stakeholders to strengthen our partnership with the UAE for the prosperity and well-being of the people of our two countries.”
Schoolchildren headlined the show with patriotic songs and dance performances.
The celebrations that began in the morning will continue well into the night with Bollywood singers and musical concerts to be staged in the open arenas.
India celebrates Republic Day - in pictures:
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India's national flag is waved in front of the clock tower in Lal Chowk square during celebrations for the country's 23rd Republic Day in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir. EPA -
Central Reserve Police Force members on parade in New Delhi. EPA -
Indian Army commandos march on the ceremonial Rajpath boulevard in the capital, New Delhi. AP -
People feed elephants as mahouts wave Indian flags during Republic Day celebrations in Ahmedabad. AP -
Soldiers take part in a parade at a cricket stadium in Srinagar. AFP -
A float representing the Indian Department of Post takes part in the New Delhi parade. AFP -
A Jammu and Kashmir state policeman performs a motorcycle stunt during celebrations in Jammu. AP -
Punjab Police officers march in Amritsar. AFP -
The Indian Civil aviation float at the Rajpath parade in New Delhi. AFP -
Students wave Indian flags in front of the Vidhana Soudha, seat of the State Legislature of Karnataka, during celebrations in Bangalore. EPA -
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi talks to a presidential guard after the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Reuters -
Dancers perform during the parade in New Delhi. Reuters -
India’s Indo-Tibetan Border Police "Daredevils" motorcycle riders perform in New Delhi. Reuters -
Soldiers march on the ceremonial Rajpath boulevard in New Delhi. Reuters -
A soldier salutes while standing in a missile launch vehicle during the parade in New Delhi. Reuters -
Strict measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus were in place at the parade in New Delhi. Reuters -
Indian Railway Protection Force officers take a selfie before taking part in a march to mark India's 73rd Republic Day celebrations in Hyderabad. AP -
Cadets of the Railway Protection Forces march in Chennai. AFP -
Women commandos of the Assam Police take part in a parade in Gauhati. AP -
Railway Protection Forces cadets march in Chennai. AFP -
Soldiers stand in formation during a Republic Day parade at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. AFP -
The Ripon Building in Chennai illuminated with the colours of the Indian flag on the eve of the country's 73rd Republic Day. EPA -
The celebrations commemorate the adoption of the constitution on January 26, 1950. EPA -
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a World Heritage Site in Mumbai, illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag. EPA -
The Indian flag is projected on to a dome next to the Rajpath boulevard in New Delhi. AFP -
Dozens of drones form India's map in New Delhi's night sky. AP -
Drones spell out '75th Anniversary of Indian Independence' during an aerial show. AP -
Government buildings on either side of the Rajpath are illuminated in the colours of the Indian flag. AP -
A woman sells a mini Indian flag in Mumbai on the eve of Republic Day. EPA -
Security personnel stand in the middle of the Rajpath on January 25, the eve of India's 73rd Republic Day. AP -
The Rajpath is blocked off ready for the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. AP
