New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS): Rebulic Day parade chief guest, US President Barack Obama, Monday arrived at the Rajpath in his official vehicle The Beast, in a departure from tradition.
The chief guest for Republic Day, as per tradition, arrives along with the president in his car from Rashtrapati Bhavan. Obama was accompanied by wife Michelle.
President Pranab Mukherjee arrived separately at the venue shortly after.
The US president's security had reservations over him travelling in a vehicle other than his own car.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama were meanwhile greeted with loud cheers as they arrived at the Rajpath.
Modi arrived at the saluting dais after paying homage to unknown soldiers at the India Gate and was received by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Modi then waved at the crowd and was greeted with loud cheers.