Photos: Marchers rehearse for India's Republic Day parade

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New Delhi: Wielding a sword and wearing a turban in the colors of his regiment, Indian army Maj. Piyush Sharma thundered, "Troops, prepare to march." Image Credit: AP

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On his order, the camel-mounted regiment _ its mustachioed riders led by shiny brass bands with glimmering tubas _ swiftly moved down a boulevard in the Indian capital on Friday in a rehearsal for the annual Republic Day parade. Image Credit: AP

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"I cannot describe my feelings in words. It is such an honor to lead my contingent," said Sharma, 28. Image Credit: AP

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Republic Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the country's constitution on Jan. 26, 1950. Image Credit: AP

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Thousands congregate on Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi, to watch a flamboyant display of the country's military power and cultural diversity. Image Credit: AP

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Schoolchildren, folk dancers, police and military battalions march along the parade route, followed by a display of military hardware. Image Credit: Reuters

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But what goes behind the high-precision parade _ broadcast live and watched by millions of Indians across the country _ is weeks and weeks of practice in the biting winter cold. Image Credit: Reuters

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Due to a fervent nationwide campaign to fend off the coronavirus, participants in this year's rehearsals marched with their faces covered in masks. Image Credit: AP

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The crowd that came to watch was thin, braving a fog and chill as they stood along the sides of the boulevard. Image Credit: AFP

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Because of the pandemic, spectators at next Tuesday's Republic Day parade will be limited to enforce social distancing, and some events will be canceled. India won independence from British colonial rule in 1947. Image Credit: AFP

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A performer stands on a float. Image Credit: AFP

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Image Credit: AFP

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Performers dance next to a float. Image Credit: AFP

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Students dance during the full dress rehearsal. Image Credit: AFP

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Indian army tanks are lined up. Image Credit: AP

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Soldiers are reflected in water from a fountain during rehearsals. Image Credit: AP

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An Indian army instructor checks the marching posture of a soldier. Image Credit: AP

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National Cadet Corp students march. Image Credit: AP

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A National Security Guard soldier takes position on his tableaux. Image Credit: AP

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A Border Security Force soldier stands with his camel in between practice. Image Credit: AP

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Photos: Marchers rehearse for India's Republic Day parade

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