23 Tableaux from 17 states to depict India's vibrant cultural heritage on Republic Day

The theme adopted this year by various states is largely 'Nari Shakti', besides cultural heritage and other themes.

New Delhi, Jan 22: A total of 23 tableaux - 17 from states and Union territories, and six from various ministries and departments - depicting India's vibrant cultural heritage, economic and social progress will be part of the ceremonial parade, Defence Ministry officials said.

Seventeen tableaux of States/UTs from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Dadar Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala will be showcased during the parade, depicting the geographical and rich cultural diversity of the country.

Six tableaux from Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Home Affairs (Central Armed Police Forces), Ministry of Home Affairs (Narcotics Control Bureau), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (Central Public Works Department), Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Indian Council Agriculture Research) will also be on display, showcasing the works and achievements in the last few years.

The selection of States/UTs tableaux for Republic Day parade has been made on zonal basis, categorising States/UTs into six zones, namely Northern Zone, Central Zone, Eastern Zone, Western Zone, Southern Zone and North Eastern Zone. Normally, approximately 15 tableaux from States/UTs are selected for Republic Day parade, based on proportionate ratio of each zone.

The selection process involved scrutiny of tableaux proposals from various States/UTs by an expert committee and several rounds of interactions by the committee members with representatives of the States on the theme, presentation, aesthetics and technical elements of the tableaux.

Among the Union ministries and central government agencies, the Ministry of Home Affairs will display two tableaux -- one each by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), while one each will be exhibited by the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Culture and the Central Public Works Department that falls under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, a senior official told reporter here.

A preview of many of the tableau, some of which are still being constructed or given finishing touches, was held at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp in the city.

Asked if there will be a tableau from the Ministry of Railways' side, he said, "No, there is no tableau from Ministry of Railways in this year's parade".

The theme adopted this year by various states is largely 'Nari Shakti', besides cultural heritage and other themes, the official said.

The West Bengal tableau depicts Durga Puja in Kolkata and celebrates its inscription on the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Assam's tableau proudly showcases the legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and its cultural landmarks including the famous Kamakhya Temple.

The central government last year had celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom general. Borphukan was a commander in the erstwhile Ahom kingdom and is known for his leadership in the 1671 battle of Saraighat that thwarted an attempt by Mughal forces to capture Assam.

This will be the first Republic Day celebrations hosted at 'Kartavya Path'.