25 tableaux to participate in Republic Day parade

Depicting India's vivid art and culture, contribution to science and technology and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Jan Dhan Yojna' as well as 'Make In India' campaigns, a total of 25 tableaux will roll down Rajpath at this year's Republic Day parade.

The tableaux were displayed here Thursday.

Up from last year's 18, this year 16 of the tableaux will represent different states while nine will be from different ministries and government departments.

The Department of Financial Services' tableau on the 'Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana' will highlight the uniqueness of the campaign and its impact on the weaker sections and low income groups.

The 'Make in India' tableau by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion will depict a mechanised lion set against the background of a smart city.

A replica of the 'Statue of Unity' -- another pet project of Modi -- that pays tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will be displayed in the tableau of Gujarat, the prime minister's home state.

"The tableaux will show India's varied cultural diversity, development in science and technology and recent campaigns launched by the government," defence ministry spokesman Dhananjay Mohanty said. The defence ministry organises the parade.

The newly formed state of Telangana will be making its debut in the parade showcasing Mahakali, the divine mother goddess of the region.

States like Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh would be showcasing their popular folk dances. Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh would be promoting the festivals of Dussehra, Sankranti Sambaraalu (Makar Sankranti) and Bhagoria (festival of love and match making) respectively.

Uttar Pradesh will pay tribute to the 10th and last Nawab of Awadh Wajid Ali Shah and the tableau will have live Kathakali dancers as the dance was performed by the nawab himself in the temples of Awadh.

Over 1,400 artists, fabricators, designers and visualisers were involved in the making of the tableaux.