Gujarat celebrated the 67th Republic Day in Prabhas Patan, near the iconic Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district with stunning motorbike acts, marching contingents of police and armed forces, and cultural performances being the highlights of the parade. Governor Om Prakash Kohli unfurled the tricolour on Sadbhavna ground, accompanied by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel. After saluting the flag, both, the governor and the CM rode in an open jeep, inspecting the parade as a helicopter showered rose petals from the air.
Beginning a new tradition, a women contingent from Rajasthan state police participated in the parade, and were accorded the honour to lead the trail of platoons of police force. The contingent participated in the Gujarat parade after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for better cooperation and contacts among police forces of various states. However, women platoons of the Gujarat police won the loudest cheers. Out of 30 platoons that participated in the parade, 10 were all-women and commanded by women. The CM and the governor applauded the women personnel as they rode their bikes dressed as Jhansi Ki Rani, and jumped through a ring of fire. A platoon of Gujarat Forest Force and trainees of Raksha Shakti University, Ahmedabad also took part.
The march past was followed by a train of 35 tableau. They featured the proposed Statue of Unity being constructed downstream Narmada dam as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhabhai Patel. There were floats on Dr BR Ambedkar and on the industrial and agricultural achievements of the state. Simultaneous cultural performances by several groups, featuring among others, the Dhamal dance by Sidi tribe and traditional Garba of Gujarat also won hearts of the spectators. Students also performed Surya Namaskar and Yoga during the parade. Personnel from Gujarat police took the audience's breath away with their thrilling and high-risk motorbike stunts. Other than individual stunts, the policemen also demonstrated breathtaking balancing acts on their bikes in teams. The dog squad of the police also put their skills on the show.
Two minor accidents occurred during the event. A policeman performing stunts on his motorbike lost balance and the bike skidded into the spectators gallery, injuring three, who were immediately rushed to the hospital. A stunt woman fell off the back of her horse. While she was taken to the hospital, the shocked animal barged into the crowd before it took off the ground.
