The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel braved inhospitable conditions in Ladakh on Tuesday and marched with the Tiraṅgā to celebrate Republic Day. The ITBP personnel, including men and women, celebrated the event on the frozen water body at 17,000 feet above sea level.

As the temperature recorded minus 25 degrees Celsius the personnel raised a full-throated cry, "Bharat Mata Ki Jai," and "Vande Matram." There was another ITBP team, at 14,000 feet in Ladakh, celebrating the day at the Border Out-Post. In a video captured from the height, the ITBP men were trudging slowly through the fresh snow.

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Also referred to as the ITBP 'Himveers,' the force serves the nation in one of the most difficult and inhospitable terrains. ITBP, the specialised mountain force ‑ most of whose officers and men are trained mountaineers and skiers ­- guard the 3,488 km border from Ladakh's Karakoram Pass to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.

While the annual parade in New Delhi is the main event, the 72nd Republic Day is being celebrated across the country.