64th Republic Day: The highlights of the parade

New Delhi: 11.41: Ceremonies culminate as the national anthem is played. Tricoloured balloons are released.

11.36 am: The Indian Army's tornado bikers performed gravity-defying stunts followed by a mind-boggling display of manoeuvres and complex formations by the Indian Air Force.

11.23 am: School-going children present dances on various themes.

11:05: I&B Ministry tableau pays tribute to cinema for completing 100 yrs and Railway Ministry tableau displays double decker AC train.

10.55 am: Uttar Pradesh tableau showcases celebration of Holi, Rajasthan and Bihar display indigenous handicraft. Kerala tableau displays houseboats and Delhi contingent represents the national capital as country's cultural hub.

10.50 am:Fourteen state tableaux led by West Bengal participate in Republic Day's parade.

10.41 am: The impressive march-past being watched by Chief Guest, Bhutan king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister AK Antony, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and top political and military brass.

10.30 am: The Indian Air Force displays latest acquisitions in tableaux.

10.20 am: India Army regiments lead the parade. General Officer Commanding (Delhi) Lt General Subroto Mitra lead the synchronised military and police contingent. The icing on the cake is the 5,500-5,800 km ballistic Agni-V missile mounted on a road mobile launcher, paraded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation.

10.17 am: PMO tweets, "I (the PM of India) pay tribute to our martyrs whose spirit of service and sacrifice continues to inspire the nation."

10.09 am: Gallantry award winners take part in parade. Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra winners in contingent.

9.58 am: PM receives President, Guest of Honour at the saluting dais. President unfurls the Tricolour at Rajpath. Presidential bodyguards present national salute.

9.51 am: President Pranab Mukherjee arrives accompanied by Guest of Honour, King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Wangchuk. This will be Pranab Mukherjee's first Republic Day as President.

9.40 am: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at India Gate and is received by the Defence Minister. He then proceeds to the Amar Jawan Jyoti, where he lays the wreath and observes a two minutes silence in honour of the fallen heroes.

India celebrates its 64th Republic Day on Saturday. The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Wangchuk, will be the chief guest for the event. The Delhi Police and the paramilitary forces have left no stone unturned in ensuring that the event passes off peacefully. According to the Delhi Police, a tight security cover will be in place across the capital with around 25,000 security personnel of the police and the paramilitary forces keeping vigil.

Nine stations of the Delhi Metro too will be closed from 6.00 am to 12.30 pm due to security reasons. The nine stations are Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Race Course, Barakhamba Road, Mandi House, Pragati Maidan and Khan Market.

The Republic Day ceremonies will highlight the nation's achievements in various fields, the military prowess, scintillating display of air power as also country's rich and diverse cultural heritage. The highlights of this year will also be the above 5,000 km range Agni-V missile.