74th India Republic Day celebration held in Athens despite intense rain storm

Despite the near entirety of Greece suffering from an intense weather phenomena, celebrations for the 74th Republic Day was still held at the Embassy of India in Athens on Thursday.

"Embassy of India, Athens celebrates 74th Republic Day with great fervour. Cd'A Mr. S. Rajendran unfurled the tricolour Indian flag and read out Honourable President's speech," the embassy tweeted. "Members of Indian Diaspora in Greece and Friends of India were present on the occasion."

"Cd'A Mr. S. Rajendran along with Embassy officials and Indian community members also paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on this occasion, a follow up tweet said.

Athens has been suffering from an intense storm since 10am local time, with local residents receiving a warning message from 112 about the dangerous weather. The message urged people to limit their movements.

India celebrated its 74th Republic Day on Thursday with a colourful parade displaying military might and cultural diversity.

The public holiday marks the anniversary of India officially adopting its constitution, making it a sovereign republic.

Its highlight is a parade which is held in capital city Delhi and telecast live across the country.

Every year, the country also invites a foreign dignitary as the chief guest to the parade - this year, Egypt's president Abdul Fattah al-Sisi was the guest of honour.

A 144-member band and marching contingent from the Egyptian Armed Forces also joined battalions of the Indian military and police in the parade.

El-Sissi, in a blue suit and matching tie, was flanked by Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who wore a saffron-and-yellow–colored turban symbolizing Hindu nationalist colors.

Scores of women, men, schoolchildren and folk dancers in colorful dresses performed cultural and fusion dances down the boulevard amid big cheers from the crowd.

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