Officers from the newly formed Telangana state police march past the new state's coat-of-arms during Formation Day celebrations in Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad on Monday. Celebrations erupted in southern India to mark the creation of the new state, the culmination of a campaign stretching back nearly six decades. The campaign to create a separate state in one of India's most economically deprived regions began in the late 1950s, with its champions arguing the region has been neglected by successive state governments.

Telangana state's first Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao greets supporters during the celebrations on Monday. India's new Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised his "complete support to the people & Government of Telangana" in a message on Twitter.

A supporter gestures while clad in body paint bearing the name of Rao during the celebrations in Secunderabad on Monday. Telangana has been carved out of an impoverished northern area of Andhra Pradesh state. Hyderabad, an IT hub home to giants Google and Microsoft, will serve as the capital of both states for the next decade.

Indian supporters of Telangana watch as fireworks explode to celebrate India's 29th state in Hyderabad on Monday. "People of Telangana are looking forward to a progressive and development-oriented state. We will work in that direction and ensure a transparent administration," Rao said, addressing the ceremonial parade. Photos: AFP