New Delhi, Jan 27 : President Pratibha Patil today met participants of the cultural troupes, which had performed on Rajpath during the Republic Day celebrations in the national capital.

Dozens of colourful tableaux depicting various facets of Indian life, history and culture were showcased, and several cultural programmes were presented on the 59th Republic Day celebrations.

Patil met the artists and applauded their efforts.

The artists took group photographs with the President as a souvenir.

Artisans from across the country start preparations on their theme tableaux months in advance. The tableaux with a group of dancers leading them are a veritable treat to the eye .

Celebrations with military parades, pomp and ceremony were held in all major cities of the country on Saturday.

The main event took place in the heart of New Delhi where President Patil took the customary 21-gun salute.

Parades by the country's armed forces and a display of missiles and battle tanks, as well as cultural programmes, marked the celebrations in the national capital and state capitals.

ANI