India celebrates 69th Independence Day

Patriotic fervour swept the nation on Saturday as it celebrated its 69th Independence Day, with chief ministers announcing development initiatives, flagging the challenges ahead and pledging to take their states forward on the path of peace and progress.

The celebrations marked by unfurling of tricolour, colourful parades and other events in the state capitals passed off peacefully.

            A view of the 69th Independence Day function at the historic Red Fort in New delhi.

        BSF soldier wave the Tricolour as they mark the occasion of Independence Day at the Attari Border in Wagah

Female cops take part in the Independence Day celebrations at the Bakshi stadium in Srinagar. The functions in Jammu and Kashmir were held in the heavy presence of security personnel

                               The future of India, its kids. This photograph was taken at a school in Mumbai.

      This human chain at a college in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu comprised of 6,900 students, creating a record of sorts.

School children perform during Independence Day celebrations at Guru Nanak Stadium in Amritsar, Punjab

.                            India's vibrant culture on display at the Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar.

    Schoolchildren dressed in tricolour patterns listen to the prime minister speak at Red Fort in New Delhi.

                                   Village children show their patriotic spirit near Balurghat.

    School children celebrate after being rewarded for their dance performance during India's Independence         Day celebrations in Chandigarh.

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav salutes after unfurling the national flag during the 69th                Independence Day function at Vidhan Sabha in Lucknow.

    Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspecting the parade during 69th Independence Day celebration at           Gandhi Maidan.

   wearing their patriotism on their sleeve, in this case, their body. Boys with the Tricolour painted on their        bodies take out a procession in Bhubhaneshwar.

    Students of Swaminarayan Gurukul holds tricolour to mark the celebrations of 69th Independence Day in     Ahmedabad.

    Participants holding the Tricolour conduct stunts on a motorbike during Independence Day celebrations in      Guwahati.

    The Indian Army hosted the Chinese PLA to a Special Border Personnel Meeting at Chushul in Eastern          Ladakh.

             The mobile phone services remained suspended till the ceremonies were over in the valley.