Gujarat's glimpse in Trange's journey, Bahar's glimpse showcases the power of Mukhane

On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path on Thursday, tableaux from 17 states and Union territories and 13 central ministries were showcased under the themes of Vande Mataram and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with Gujarat's tableau showcasing the journey of the tricolor and Bihar's tableau presenting the power of milk in an attractive manner.

This year, the tableaux from various states, Union territories, and ministries presented a vibrant depiction of India's cultural heritage, freedom movement, self-reliance, technological advancements, and national unity. Among the state tableaux, Gujarat's tableau was a major attraction, showcasing the journey of the national flag from 1906 to 1947.

Gujarat's tableau was based on the theme of Vande Mataram. The front part of the tableau featured a statue of Madame Bhikaji Cama, who had conceptualized the Indian flag with Vande Mataram in 1906. The tableau depicted Madame Cama with the same flag. The rear part of the tableau featured Mahatma Gandhi with a spinning wheel. The five significant stages of the tricolor's journey - 1906, 1907, 1917, 1921, and finally 1931 - were highlighted between the two.

On the other hand, Bihar presented a tableau based on its famous milk. The tableau, titled "From Local to Global in a plate of superfood," impressed the audience with the story of how Bihar's "white gold" or milk has emerged as a superfood globally.

According to an official statement, the woman statue at the center of the tableau symbolizes the hard work of women workers who prepare milk products. The tableau was prepared by 21 women.

Among the state tableaux, Assam's tableau, Asharikandi, presented the traditional craftsmanship of the Terracotta Village. Chhattisgarh highlighted the spirit of freedom under the theme "The Mantra of Freedom, Vande Mataram." Himachal Pradesh presented its spiritual and brave traditions as "Deodharati, Veerdharati." Jammu and Kashmir's tableau showcased local handicrafts and folk dances. Kerala presented a picture of modern development through the theme "Water Metro and Digital Literacy - Self-reliant Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat."

Maharashtra's tableau, Ganesh Utsav, focused on self-reliance, while Manipur presented the theme "From Agricultural Fields to International Markets: Towards Prosperity." Nagaland's tableau showcased the "Hornbill Festival: A Festival of Culture, Tourism, and Self-reliance."

Odisha's tableau presented a beautiful blend of cultural heritage and technological advancements through the theme "From Soil to Silicon: Roots in Tradition, Progress with Innovation." Puducherry presented the "Rich Heritage of Crafts, Culture, and Auroville's Vision," while Rajasthan highlighted the "Golden Print of the Desert: Bikaner's Golden Art (Aari Art)."

Tamil Nadu's tableau was based on the theme "The Mantra of Prosperity: Aatmanirbhar Bharat," while Uttar Pradesh presented the "Culture of Bundelkhand." West Bengal highlighted "Bengal's Role in India's Freedom Movement," Madhya Pradesh presented a tableau dedicated to "Punniya Shlok Lok Mata Ahilyabai Holkar," and Punjab's tableau commemorated the "350th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji."

The tableaux from the central government and the armed forces also showcased the country's strength and achievements. The Air Force Headquarters' tableau depicted the "Role of Veterans in Nation-building Post-War," while the Navy Headquarters' tableau was based on the theme "Prosperity from the Sea."

The joint tableau of the three services under the Ministry of Defence, titled "Operation Sandur: Victory through Cooperation," presented the role of the Indian Air Force, Army, and Navy during Operation Sandur. The tableau featured the Rafale fighter jet, Akash guided missile, and the S-400 air defense system, along with images of locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied territories that were destroyed during Operation Sandur.

The tableaux from the central ministries included those from the Ministry of Culture, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Ayush, and Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry of Home Affairs had two tableaux, one titled "Bhuj Earthquake: 25 Years of Resilience" and the other on "People-centric Justice System: Three New Criminal Laws 2023."

In addition, tableaux from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship were also part of the parade.