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Stories on wheels: Republic Day 2026 tableaux across India
The Republic Day parade will portray the cultural roots of India as well as its modern innovations.
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IANS - Thu, 22, Jan 2026
- 16:57 EST
- 18
Tableaux from various states in India / IANS
A total of 30 tableaux - 17 of States/Union Territories and 13 of Ministries/Departments/Services - will roll down the Kartavya Path in New Delhi during the 77th Republic Day parade on Jan. 26.
With a broad theme of ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and ‘Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the tableaux will showcase a unique mix of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress on the back of the growing self-reliance across sectors, dipped in its rich and vibrant cultural diversity.
Also Read: IAGB to host Republic Day Mela 2026 in Burlington
Among the states whose tableaux will draw attention this year are Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh and Gujarat, with themes ranging from iconic rulers and freedom movement symbols to tribal resistance, traditional crafts and the evolution of the national flag.
Madhya Pradesh’s tableaux will be dedicated to 18th-century Holkar dynasty queen Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, known for her model of governance, social reforms, cultural patronage and religious contributions.
The front section of the tableau will feature the iconic image of Ahilyabai Holkar holding a sacred Shivling, seated on a lotus. The state government said the depiction symbolizes serenity, dignity and the spiritual strength of India’s maternal power.
The central portion will portray Holkar with her ministers and soldiers, the lower panel illustrates the restoration and construction of temples undertaken during her reign, the final section highlights the historic Maheshwar ghats, temples and fort—the capital of Holkar’s kingdom—with the sacred Narmada flowing beneath.
Assam’s Republic Day tableaux will shine a national spotlight on Asharikandi, a renowned terracotta craft village in Dhubri district, celebrating the state’s riverine culture and the spirit of self-reliance rooted in traditional livelihoods.
Conceptualised around the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the tableau presents Asharikandi as a model of cultural entrepreneurship, where generations of artisans have sustained livelihoods through age-old skills adapted to contemporary markets.
Chhattisgarh’s tableaux will showcase the country’s first digital museum in Nava Raipur dedicated to tribal heroic leaders.
At the front of the tableau is Veer Gundadhur, the hero of the historic Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910. Belonging to the Dhurwa community, he united society against injustice. Mango twigs and dried chillies—symbols of the Bhumkal Rebellion—are prominently displayed.
The rear of the tableau depicts Veer Narayan Singh, Chhattisgarh’s first martyr, shown on horseback with a sword in hand. He fought for the welfare of the poor during a famine and played a significant role in the First War of Indian Independence in 1857.
Gujarat will present a special tableaux portraying the journey of the Indian national flag, tracing its evolution, symbolism and key milestones of the freedom movement. It highlights contributions of leaders from Gujarat such as Shyamji Krishna Varma, Sardar Singh Rana and Madam Bhikaiji Cama, who unfurled the “Vande Mataram” flag on foreign soil in Paris in 1907.
Mahatma Gandhi and the charkha feature prominently, symbolising the Swadeshi movement and its continuing relevance to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Other States tableaux are themed as follows:
| S. No. | State / UT | Tableau Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assam | Asharikandi – Terracotta Craft Village of Assam |
| 2 | Chhattisgarh | The Mantra of Freedom – Vande Mataram |
| 3 | Gujarat | Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance and Freedom |
| 4 | Himachal Pradesh | Dev Bhoomi, Veer Bhoomi |
| 5 | Jammu & Kashmir | Handicrafts and Folk Dances of Jammu & Kashmir |
| 6 | Kerala | Water Metro and 100% Digital Literacy: Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat |
| 7 | Maharashtra | Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta |
| 8 | Manipur | Towards Prosperity: From Agricultural Fields to International Markets |
| 9 | Nagaland | The Hornbill Festival – Celebrating Culture, Tourism and Self-Reliance |
| 10 | Odisha | Soil to Silicon: Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Innovation |
| 11 | Puducherry | Rich Heritage of Craft, Culture and Auroville’s Vision |
| 12 | Rajasthan | Golden Touch of the Desert: Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art) |
| 13 | Tamil Nadu | Mantra of Prosperity: Self-Reliant India |
| 14 | Uttar Pradesh | Culture of Bundelkhand |
| 15 | West Bengal | Bengal in the Freedom Movement of India |
| 16 | Madhya Pradesh | Punyashlok Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar |
| 17 | Punjab | 350th Year of Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji |
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