India celebrates its 69th Republic Day on Friday and as per usual, the Republic Day parade at Rajpath, New Delhi had some spectacular shows of culture and diversity to offer.
However, one that stood out in particular was the debut performance of Seema Bhawani, the all-women BSF biker troupe.
Led by sub inspector Stanzin Naryang from Ladakh, the Seema Bhawani performed breathtaking stunts in gravity-defying formations.
The 113-member team had women soldiers between 25 and 30 years of age, from different combat ranks. The squad comprised of 20 women from Punjab – the most in from one state – followed by West Bengal (15), Madhya Pradesh (10), Maharashtra (9) and Uttar Pradesh (8).
Kerala, Karnataka, Uttarakhand and Delhi had two participants each, and there was one woman each from Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
Most of the women selected were not bike riders. But after rigorous training under special BSF instructors, the women succeeded with flying colours and put on a terrific show on Friday. They would reportedly train from 8am to 1pm every day, and then for two hours in the afternoon between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.
The Seema Bhwani replaced the male bikers who traditionally perform the bike stunts towards the end of the Republic Day parade.
Check out some of the photos and videos of their performance below.
BSF motor cycle women team 'Seema Bhawani' led by sub inspector Stanzin Naryang #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/E4jhZcd8j7
— ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2018
.@BSF_India women personnel showcase Daredevil motorcycle-riding skills at Rajpath #RepublicDay#RDayWithAIR #SeemaBhawani pic.twitter.com/kjHggNy3xN
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 26, 2018
Proudest moment of the #RepublicDayParade .#BSF Women Bikers for the first time ever showing stunts.
— Vaishali (@ishusaini_24) January 26, 2018
Salute to them. #RepublicDay
pic.twitter.com/Mh46B3SheS
Seema Bhawani is a perfect representation of Indian woman’s spirit and persona! More power to you girl! #SeemaBhawani #Republicday #Rajpath pic.twitter.com/o02OSzrqEB
— Gautam Tanwar (@GautamTanwar_) January 26, 2018
Women motor cycle team of BSF. #SeemaBhawani .#Sainika #HappyRepublicDay #RepublicDay pic.twitter.com/rgtXLim454
— Avinash Pandey (@iavinash12) January 26, 2018
People took to Twitter to express their wonder and happiness about Seema Bhawani’s show.
Watched the #RepublicDay parade on @DDNational after years today. The @BSF_India motorcycle riders and the Indian Air Force were marvellous!
— Soumitra Roy (@TheSRoy) January 26, 2018
The all women bike team was the highlight. Brilliant! #SeemaBhawani
#SeemaBhawani Blown away by their amazing performance, these ladies made the whole India proud today by not only breaking the gender norm but also by showing that women are just as capable of doing things that a man can do. So proud of these ladies rn. #RepublicDay
— BTSxMyLife (@LiterallyEmma_) January 26, 2018
Seema Bhawani daredevils showed immense talent in the different motorcycle stunts at the parade on #RepublicDay . Superb pic.twitter.com/31Zz4HqpPo
— Kamal (@kamalrathi) January 26, 2018
BSF Seema Bhawani women on Bikes truly heroes who stand by their name! #RepublicDay
— Mansi (@docmansig) January 26, 2018
Simply loved the performance by @BSF_India women personnel during today's #RepublicDay #parade in #Delhi
— Amit Panday (@amitspeakshere) January 26, 2018
Don't know if this was a first but this marks #WomenEmpowerment for me. #Republicday2018 #SaluteToSoldiers #HappyRepublicDay #IndianArmy pic.twitter.com/Y2o5pRKiux
Feel proud after watching BSF women’s bike riding show in Rajpath salute
— Munmun Jari (@MunmunJari) January 26, 2018
#SeemaBhawani is inspiration to all females of #India on #RepublicDay
— #Republicday2018 Priyanka (@aAccheDin) January 26, 2018
Coward #KarnisenaGoons cant even stand on their own feet pic.twitter.com/v1sUXrk8Te
First 'Women Biking contingent' of elite #BSF #Womenpower #Gogirls heart swelling with PRIDE #SeemaBhawani Congtulations to you. You are pride and inspiration of Indian Girl. #Republicday2018 pic.twitter.com/mPySEaMNng
— Shawli (@ShawliShona) January 26, 2018
@BSF_India Courage,Concentration,Discipline, Power. Another Episode of NAARI SHAKTI presented by Veeranganas of Seema Bhawani B.S.F.
— Vibhu Singh Pratihar (@pratihar_vibhu) January 26, 2018
While the Seema Bhawani far exceeded expectations, without a doubt, there was one thing that stood out. The all women contingent was made to make a peacock formation wearing blue and green costumes. They also made a lotus formation in pink costumes and helmets. We wonder if the contingent was made of men, would they have been made to dress up in such costumes as well.