On the Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path 2024, India’s tableau displayed not only a spectacle of colours but also reflected the nation’s aspirations. With 25 captivating tableaux from 16 states and Union Territories, each tableau told a story of progress, diversity, and empowerment, encapsulating India’s journey towards a brighter future. Among the myriad narratives depicted, women’s empowerment stood as a prominent theme, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to gender equality and the vital role of women in every sphere of society. Through these vibrant displays, India celebrated its rich cultural tapestry while showcasing its strides in various fields, inspiring unity, and igniting hope for a tomorrow where every individual, regardless of gender or background, can thrive and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
Tableaux or Jhakiyaan Displayed on Republic Day 2024
A total of 25 magnificent tableaux, representing 16 states and Union Territories, along with nine Ministries and Departments, graced the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. The tableaus vividly portrayed a range of themes, from women’s empowerment to technological advancements, providing a glimpse into the diverse fabric of India’s identity.
The states and UTs represented in the parade include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Manipur, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana.
The tableaux representing Ministries and Organizations in the Republic Day parade were from the following entities: Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Culture, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Election Commission of India, and Central Public Works Department (CPWD).
How Tableaux are Selected for Republic Day?
The Republic Day Parade’s tableau selection process is carefully managed by a committee of experts from diverse artistic and cultural backgrounds. To ensure fairness, the Ministry of Defence introduced a special three-year rotation plan, ensuring that every state and Union Territory gets a chance to participate, thus promoting inclusivity on this prestigious platform.
Here is the list of some of the tableaux or Jhakiyaan displayed on the 75th Republic Day of India:
Uttar Pradesh
An artistic image of Ram Lalla whose new idol was recently consecrated at a grand temple in Ayodhya was the showpiece of Uttar Pradesh’s tableau. It also depicted the first-ever operational high-speed regional rapid transit system (RRTS) of the country. The front portion of the tableau symbolically represented the consecration ceremony that took place in Ayodhya on January 22, with an artistic model depicting Lord Ram in a young avatar holding a bow and arrow. A group of women artists accompanying the tableau perform traditional dances ‘Charkula’ and ‘Wadhwa, popular in the Braj region. It also illustrated how the folk festival inspired by the “Leelas” of Lord Krishna is an integral aspect of the cultural heritage.
Odisha
Odisha’s Republic Day tableaux focused on women’s participation in the handicrafts and handloom sectors, emphasizing their role in preserving and promoting traditional arts.
Haryana
Haryana’s tableau highlighted the state’s ambitious “Mera Parivar-Meri Pehchan” scheme that seeks to realise the dream of a developed India. The tableau symbolised the state’s striving for modernity with the depiction of a rustic woman holding a digital device. The rear section of the tableau highlighted the benefits of the ‘Parivar Pehchan Patra’ through a phone such as the seamless procurement of ration, agricultural subsidies for farmer families, scholarships for young students, and pensions for the elderly.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh’s Republic Day tableaux highlighted the state’s achievements in integrating women into the development process through welfare schemes. The display will emphasise the active participation of women across various sectors, including the modern service sector, small-scale industries, and traditional domains.
The tableaux featured Avani Chaturvedi, Madhya Pradesh’s first woman fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, alongside a model of a fighter plane. It will also depict women artists painting on pots, the Badal Mahal gate of Chanderi, and the weavers of globally renowned Chanderi, Maheshwar, and Bagh print sarees.
Rajasthan
The Rajasthan Republic Day tableaux showcased the development of women’s handicraft industries and the festive culture of the state. The display will feature the famous Ghoomar dance of Rajasthan, with a mannequin of a dancer and a statue of Meera Bai, symbolizing devotion and power. Additionally, it will highlight the state’s rich handicraft traditions, including Bandhej, Bagru print, and applique work.
Chhattisgarh
This year, Chhattisgarh’s tableaux exhibited Bastar’s ‘Muria Darbar,’ a 600-year-old tribal tradition of community decision-making at Kartavya Path in the national capital. The theme, ‘Bastar Ki Aadim Jan Sansad: Muria Darbar,’ aligns with this year’s national theme, ‘India is the mother of democracy.’ The tableaux underscore the equal involvement of both men and women in decision-making, reflecting the women-dominant aspect of the Bastar tribal community. It showcased the dominance of women in tribal communities in Bastar, featuring traditional bell metals and terracotta artefacts representing their cultural heritage.
Ladakh
Ladakh’s Republic Day tableaux will highlight the Indian women’s ice hockey team, consisting of accomplished Ladakhi women, showcasing their achievements and contributions to sports.
Manipur
The Manipur Republic Day tableaux highlighted the significant roles played by women in socio-economic activities. It will feature women intricately working with fibres from lotus stems, using traditional ‘charkhas’ to spin yarns. The front of the tableaux will showcase a woman collecting lotus stems from Manipur’s Loktak Lake, while the sides will display women riding boats and gathering lotus stems. Additionally, the tableaux will include a replica of ‘Ima Keithel,’ a centuries-old all-women’s market in Manipur, alongside innovative fabrics crafted by Manipuri women and the process of making lotus silk by Bijayshanti Tongbram, India’s first lotus silk maker.
Maharashtra
Shivaji Maharaj’s establishment of ‘self-rule’ and respect for women in his ‘kingdom of the people’ formed the highlight of Maharashtra’s tableau. The tableau depicted Rajmata Jijabai giving lessons in governance and politics to a younger Shivaji. The tableau depicted Shivaji’s Ashtapradhan Mandal, with some women seen raising their concerns in a court. The back of the tableau depicted Chhatrapati Shivaji, Rajmata Jijabai and other courtiers with forts and the royal seal in the background. The tableau also showed the edict of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his royal insignia.
The displays underscored India’s commitment to inclusivity and celebrated its rich cultural heritage. Each tableau narrated a unique story, reflecting the nation’s collective journey and aspirations for a brighter future with equality. The event exemplified unity, pride, and a shared vision for India’s continued growth.
