India’s Republic Day, observed on January 26th, commemorates the adoption of the country’s constitution in 1950, marking its transition to a republic. This significant day is celebrated with fervour, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, military prowess, and democratic spirit. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the highlights of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, with a focus on the grand parade in New Delhi, the chief guest, and the captivating tableaux on display.
Republic Day Parade: A Display of Unity and Military Might
The heart of Republic Day celebrations lies in the grand parade that unfolds along the Kartavya Path in New Delhi. Armed forces personnel, donned in resplendent uniforms, march in unison, showcasing India’s military might and discipline. The parade route, starting from Raisina Hill near the Rashtrapati Bhavan, winding along the Kartavya Path, passing India Gate, and concluding at the historic Red Fort, is adorned with the colours of patriotism and pride.
The Republic Day parade is a mesmerizing spectacle, featuring various contingents, military bands, and cultural troupes. The precision with which the armed forces execute their drills reflects the discipline and dedication of the country’s defence forces. This year’s parade promises to be even more special as India celebrates its 75th Republic Day, a milestone that adds an extra layer of significance to the festivities.
Chief Guest: A Dignitary of Global Importance
One of the eagerly awaited aspects of the Republic Day celebrations is the presence of a chief guest, usually a dignitary of global importance. The chief guest is invited to witness the grand parade, symbolizing the strong diplomatic ties between India and the guest’s country. This year, as the nation marks its 75th Republic Day, anticipation is high regarding the esteemed guest who will grace the occasion.
French President Emmanuel Macron will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day 2024 celebrations this year. In recent years, India has welcomed prominent leaders, including heads of state, royalty, and influential personalities, as chief guests. The choice of the chief guest is a diplomatic gesture that underscores the camaraderie and collaboration between nations.
Tableaux: Showcasing India’s Cultural Tapestry
A key highlight of the Republic Day Parade is the tableau display, where states and union territories present vibrant and artistic representations of their culture, heritage, and achievements. The theme for this year’s Republic Day is “India — Mother of Democracy” and “Viksit Bharat,” reflecting India’s role as a democratic nation and its progress.
How are Republic Day tableaux selected?
As per tradition, the selection of tableaux is carried out by an expert committee comprising eminent individuals in the fields of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography, and more.
The Defence Secretary highlighted that in response to concerns from some States/UTs regarding non-inclusion of their tableau in the parade, the Ministry of Defence has introduced a unique three-year roll-over plan. This plan ensures equitable participation on a rotational basis for all states and UTs over three years.
This theme beautifully encapsulates the essence of India as the birthplace of democracy, celebrating its diverse and inclusive democratic fabric. Each state’s tableau becomes a moving canvas, narrating stories of cultural richness, historical significance, and progress. The meticulous craftsmanship and creativity showcased in these tableaux make them a visual delight for spectators and television audiences alike.
A total of 25 tableaux, including 16 from various states and union territories, and nine from central government departments, will be on display at the Republic Day parade. French president Emmanuel Macron is slated to be the chief guest at the event.
Gujarat Tableaux
Dhordo, situated in the desert of Kutch, has overcome adversities to emerge as a top tourist destination, portraying the spirit of Gujarat’s border tourism in the tableau. The geographical location of Gujarat will be depicted on a rotating globe at the forefront of the tableau.
Showcasing local handicrafts, lacquer art, traditional Kutchi music, and the iconic “Bhunga” houses, the tableau encapsulates the essence of tradition intertwined with digital progress.
Andhra Pradesh Republic Day Tableaux
Andhra Pradesh’s Republic Day tableaux will center around the theme of revolutionizing school education and preparing students to be globally competitive.
Rajasthan Republic Day Tableaux
The Rajasthan Republic Day tableaux will showcase 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.
Odisha Republic Day Tableaux
Odisha’s Republic Day tableaux will focus on women’s participation in the handicrafts and handloom sectors, emphasizing their role in preserving and promoting traditional arts.
Haryana Republic Day Tableaux
Haryana’s Republic Day tableaux will illustrate the empowerment of women in the state through the government program ‘Mera Parivar — Meri Pehchan.’ The display will depict Haryanvi women holding digital devices, symbolizing the impact of the Digital India initiative, enabling them to access government schemes with a single click.
Madhya Pradesh Republic Day Tableaux
Madhya Pradesh’s Republic Day tableaux will highlight 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 will feature 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.
Chhattisgarh Republic Day Tableaux
This year, Chhattisgarh’s tableaux will exhibit 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 will showcase the dominance of women in tribal communities in Bastar, featuring traditional bell-metals and terracotta artifacts representing their cultural heritage.
Ladakh Republic Day Tableaux
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 Republic Tableaux
The Manipur Republic Day tableaux will spotlight the significant roles played by women in socio-economic activities. It will feature women intricately working with fibers 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 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.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s tableaux
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s tableaux participating in this year’s Republic Day parade will showcase the involvement and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors and industries.
CRPF Republic Day tableaux
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the largest paramilitary force in the country with nearly 3.25 lakh personnel, is gearing up to present a tableaux on the theme of ‘women empowerment.’ This display will prominently feature all the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), as stated by a senior CRPF officer.
IAF Republic Day tableaux
The theme of the IAF tableaux is “Indian Air Force: Power Beyond Boundaries” and will showcase some of the major assets of the IAF, including a few that have been recently inducted. This will be the first Republic Day celebrations hosted at the ceremonial boulevard after Rajpath was renamed Kartavya Path last year.
MyGov Initiatives: Citizen Participation in Republic Day Celebrations
In the spirit of involving citizens in the 75th Republic Day celebrations, MyGov has launched various contests and initiatives. These activities encourage active participation from the public, fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards strengthening India’s Republic and Democratic values. By engaging in these contests, citizens can contribute to the celebration of this monumental occasion.
As India gears up to celebrate its 75th Republic Day, the anticipation for the grand parade, the revelation of the chief guest, and the captivating tableaux display is palpable. The Republic Day celebrations serve as a poignant reminder of India’s journey as a sovereign republic and its commitment to democracy, diversity, and unity in the face of global challenges. This year’s festivities promise to be an extraordinary showcase of the nation’s spirit, resilience, and cultural richness.
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