In PICS: Tableaux on Rajpath amalgamation of India's cultural diversity

New Delhi: Alongside India's military might showcased on Rajpath on the 73rd Republic Day on Wednesday, there were 12 tableaux from various states and union territories, representing the history and cultural diversity of the country.

The themes of the tableaus were prepared keeping in mind the 75th Independence anniversary in line with the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'.

This year's Republic Day celebrations have been curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but that has not fazed the spirits of anyone, as a grand flypast with unseen views at sky heights enthralled the audiences glued to their television sets.

The recently renovated Kashi Vishwanath Dham was showcased in the tableau of poll-bound Uttar Pradesh at the 73rd Republic Day parade on Wednesday. The front portion of the tableau showed products of different districts, while the central part showcased sadhus at the ghats of Varanasi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The rear of the tableau showcased the redeveloped KVD Corridor that was recently inaugurated at a grand ceremony.

Uttarakhand's state tableau was based on the theme 'Pragati Ki Or Badhta Uttrakhand'. It is also inspired by the progressive development and projects in the area of connectivity and religious sites. In the front it showcased the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and at the rear it depicted the Badrinath Temple.

The theme for Arunachal Pradesh was based on 'Anglo Abor Adiverse'. The tableau highlighted the resistance of indigenous people of the state particularly of the Siang region formerly known as Abors by the British who bravely fought against their imperial policy of expansion in India.

The southern state of Karnataka showcased the theme of 'Credo of Traditional Handicrafts'. The tableau also depicted Mysore Rosewood ivory Inlay, the eye-catching Bidriware, Kinhala craft, Bronze Statue, and Lacquer ware toys from Channapatna.

Jammu and Kashmir's tableau highlighted the changing face of the Union Territory in the developmental scenario. It depicted the recently constructed Banihal Qazigund highway tunnel which has been thrown open to the traffic. Also on display was the Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan located in Katra in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu Division.

Chhattisgarh highlighted its 'Godhan Nayay Yojna' and also portrayed the various ways in which the scheme addresses multiple global concerns at once by synergizing traditional knowledge and scientific approach to the use of rural resources. The observer of the Tableau depicted rural women in traditional tribal costumes collecting cow dung and taking them to a collection centre in Gauthans for sale.

Tableau from Maharashtra showcased the biodiversity of the state, displaying 15 animals and 22 plants, including the Blue Mormon butterfly, the 'state butterfly', and Indian Giant Squirrel, the state animal.

Punjab depicted the contribution of the state in the freedom struggle. The tableau displayed huge statues of freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. Besides depicting protests against Simon Commission by Lala Lajpat Rai, and Shaheed Udham Singh.

The Gujarat tableau showcased the tribal freedom movement of the state. It depicted 100 years ago how Bhil tribes from Paal and Dadhvav villages of Sabarkantha district gathered under the leadership of Motilal Tejawat who worked for the upliftment of the community. On March 7, 1922, Tejawat addressed thousands of tribals to protest against the land revenue system imposed by the British.

Symbols of Goan heritage were showcased by Goa on the Rajpath. In the front portion of the tableau, Ford Aguada was depicted. The fort with a historical legacy of 450 years was build by the Portuguese in 1612 to face possible Dutch invasion. During the Goan liberation struggle, it served as the Central Jail where freedom fighters were imprisoned. In the centre was the Martyrs' Memorial of Panaji, which is a symbol of selfless sacrifice made the freedom fighters for the liberation of Goa.

Haryana showcased achievements in the field of sports on the theme 'Number one in sports'. The front depicted the Conch of Lord Krishna and the wrestlers in the arena took up the centre. The rear showed participants and winners in the national and international sports competitions, including the Olympics.

The Meghalaya tableau showcased 50 years of Statehood and it's tribute to women-led cooperative societies and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to the state's economy. The tableau from the North Eastern state depicted bamboo and cane handicrafts, and Lakadong turmeric which are a testimony to the relentless efforts of the women-led cooperative societies and SHGs. The front showed a woman weaving bamboo basket, and several bamboo and cane products of Meghalaya.

A total of 21 tableaux, 12 of various states and Union Territories, and nine of different Ministries were showcased at the Republic Day parade this year. (Inputs from UNI)