New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again deviated from the established protocol, upholding his Republic Day tradition by strolling along Kartavya Path following the conclusion of the 77th Republic Day festivities.

He traversed a significant distance, warmly greeting enthusiastic spectators seated in designated areas. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as he passed by.

Holding the tricolour and chanting 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', the attendees welcomed the Prime Minister with gleaming eyes, filled with overwhelming patriotism.

Children climbed onto chairs to catch a glimpse of PM Modi, their faces beaming with joy.

Afterward, he boarded his vehicle and waved to the elated crowd, who could be heard chanting 'Modi-Modi' as he continued along the Kartavya Path.

Donning a traditional red tie-and-dye turban adorned with golden peacock feather motifs, PM Modi maintained his tradition of making this headgear a signature aspect of his Republic Day celebrations.

He also ventured to the opposite side of the Kartavya Path, where the excited crowd welcomed him, capturing the moment through photographs.

This is not the first instance of the Prime Minister breaking protocol; he has been doing so since 2015.

President Droupadi Murmu oversaw the celebrations by unfurling the national flag and leading the nation in honoring this historic day.

The national flag was raised amidst the playing of the National Anthem, followed by a resounding 21-gun salute, executed using indigenous 105-mm Light Field Guns.

European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were also present as the Chief Guests for the Republic Day.

Meanwhile, Operation Sindoor took center stage during the parade, showcasing a powerful display of joint military strength.

Indian Air Force helicopters, flying with the flag of Operation Sindoor, created a striking moment during the Republic Day festivities at Kartavya Path, honoring India’s decisive military actions last year against high-value terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The Tri-Services tableau of the Indian Defence Forces, themed ‘Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness’, was also presented on this occasion. This tableau symbolized the collective strength, unity, and seamless integration of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in safeguarding the nation’s security.

Enhancing the display, the Integrated Operational Centre (IOC) showcased the success of Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the coordinated and synchronized efforts of the Indian armed forces during the mission.

As depicted through the glass-enclosed Integrated Operational Centre, the operation was meticulously planned, guided, and monitored by the national and military leadership.

Strong inter-service coordination and active support from the local populace were identified as critical factors contributing to the operation's success.

A blend of 'VIRASAT, VIVIDHTA AUR VIKAS' was projected as a hallmark of Operation Sindoor.

While the BRAHMOS missile system delivered decisive strikes on enemy targets, the Akash missile systems and the S-400 air defense network provided a robust protective shield for civilian populations under the concept of the 'SUDARSHAN CHAKRA'.

Within the Combat Support Elements segment of the tableau, Divyastra was exhibited alongside Shaktibaan.