Lucknow/Hyderabad (Uttar Pradesh/Telangana) [India], Jan 26 (NT): As the whole nation with patriotic feelings geared up for the 69th Republic Day celebrations, All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi unfurled the tricolor at Madina circle in Hyderabad on Friday.

As per news Muslim cleric, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali also hoisted the flag at Aishbagh Eidgah.

A number of states, together with Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Bihar, Odisha and Assam are also celebrating the occasion. Governors of each state hoisted the national flag on the occasion in the attendance of political dignitaries as well as all walks of life.

The main function of the Republic Day was organized at Rajpath in New Delhi where President Ram Nath Kovind took the salute at the parade.President Kovind awarded the Ashoka Chakra to the mother and wife of Late Air Force Commando JP Nirala who lost his battle of life in Bandipora encounter.

Delhi is under a ground-to-air security cover in view of security and safety measures for the Republic Day celebrations. Thousands of armed personnel are keeping a tight vigil from corner to corner of the city and in border areas of the city to make sure a smooth passage of the celebrations. (NT)