India's 57th Republic Day will be celebrated on Thursday
Last Updated: Wednesday, 25 January 2006, 21:05 GMT. BBC NEWS.
Children stand by a display of national flags at their roadside stall in Patna. Preparations for celebration are in full swing across the country. Flags can be seen everywhere.
Camel-mounted soldiers rehearse beating the retreat in New Delhi, India. The ceremony will be performed again during the Indian Republic Day celebrations
Traditional dancers from Karnatka state perform during a press preview of the Republic Day rehearsal parade in New Delhi. Several such groups will participate in the parade.
People across India have been preparing for the Republic Day. Kashmiri artists also performed during a cultural programme in Jammu, in India-administered Kashmir.