Performers dressed in traditional attire participate in the full dress rehearsal for the upcoming Republic Day parade at Esplanade in Kolkata on January 22, 2023. Photo Credit: ANI
Colorful tableaux from Assam, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gujarat, West Bengal and several other states and union territories will participate in the procession. Rejuvenated Kartavya Path during republic day celebration on 26 januaryThe theme of most of the tableaux is ‘women power’.
Defense Ministry officials said on 22 January that a total of 23 tableaux depicting India’s vibrant cultural heritage, economic and social progress – 17 from states and union territories, and six from various ministries and departments – would be part of the ceremonial parade.
Among central 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 by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Central Public Works Department, which comes under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, a senior official told reporters in New Delhi.
Several tableaux were previewed at the city’s National Theater Camp, some of which are still being constructed or being finalized.
“A total of 23 tableaux – 17 from states and union territories and six from various ministries and departments will be part of the R-Day parade. Apart from this, there will be tableaux of Army, Navy and Air Force and a vehicle will be displayed by DRDO.
When asked if there would be a tableau from the Ministry of Railways, he said, “No, there is no tableau of the Ministry of Railways in this year’s parade.”
The theme adopted by various states this year is largely cultural heritage and ‘women power’, among other themes, the official said.
The tableau of West Bengal depicts Durga Puja in Kolkata and celebrates its inscription on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Assam’s tableau proudly depicts the legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan and its cultural sites including the famous Kamakhya Temple.
The central government celebrated the 400th birth anniversary of the Ahom general last year. Borphukan was a commander in the erstwhile Ahom kingdom and is best known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, which thwarted an attempt by the Mughal army to capture Assam.
This will be the first Republic Day celebration held at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was renamed as ‘Kartavya Path’ last year. Full dress rehearsal for the parade will take place on 23 January.
Defense Ministry officials had earlier said that the 74th Republic Day celebrations will be held at the revamped Central Vista Avenue and the government has put 32,000 tickets on sale online to the public.