New Delhi, Jan 17: As many as 30 tableaux will roll down Kartavya Path during the Republic Day Parade on January 26, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and key developmental milestones.
The tableaux will be based on the themes ‘Svatantrata Ka Mantr – Vande Maataram’ and ‘Samrddhi Ka Mantr – Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, marking 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. Of the total displays, 17 tableaux will be presented by States and Union Territories, while 13 will be from various Ministries, Departments and Services.
Several states will highlight their distinctive cultural identities and development stories. Assam’s tableau will feature Ashirakandi, the famed craft village, while Gujarat and Chhattisgarh will interpret the Vande Mataram theme. Maharashtra will showcase Ganeshotsav as a symbol of self-reliance, and West Bengal will depict Bengal’s contribution to India’s freedom movement.
A blend of tradition and innovation will define many tableaux. Odisha’s “Soil to Silicon” theme will reflect growth rooted in tradition, Tamil Nadu will highlight India’s rise as an electric vehicle manufacturing hub, and Kerala will showcase its Water Metro and 100 per cent digital governance initiatives. Nagaland’s tableau will present the Hornbill Festival as a symbol of culture, tourism and self-reliance.
Among central ministries, the Ministry of Culture’s tableau titled “Vande Mataram: The Soul-Cry of a Nation” will anchor the central theme, while the Department of Military Affairs will present a Tri-Services tableau on Operation Sindoor, symbolising jointness. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will present a floral tableau commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram.
The tableaux will be accompanied by cultural performances by around 2,500 artists, adding to the visual grandeur of the Republic Day Parade 2026. This year, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend the parade as Chief Guests. (Agencies)
