Colourful tableaux bring alive history, culture of India

Constitution architect B R Ambedkar's legacy, Mahatma Gandhi's crusade for freedom in Bihar's Champaran, an art university in Chhattisgarh and Swachh Bharat and Digital India campaigns were among the themes for this year's Republic Day tableaux that wowed the crowd at the majestic Rajpath today.
A total of 23 tableaux were on display at the ceremonial parade with 17 of them belonging to various states and Union Territories.
Goa's tableau was the first among the states to roll down the boulevard themed on its Jagor folk dance. Gujarat was next to follow, showcasing the rare natural abode of Asiatic lions in Gir.

Sikkim and Jammu and Kashmir were next in line, with the latter's float portraying rural development through technology.
Rajasthan's vivid replicas of Hawa Mahal drew loud cheers as spectators were left in awe with exquisite craftsmanship.
Chandigarh depicted the 'City Beautiful' designed by legendary architect Le Corbusier which also carried its circular portrait on its side and models of his famed creations of the capital city.

Six tableaux from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, New and Renewable energy, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Communication and IT, Panchayati Raj and Election Commission also found their place in the ceremonial parade.
Among other states which registered their presence included Assam, Tripura, Odisha, West Bengal, showcasing the Baul music tradition, Madhya Pradesh's white tiger safari, Uttar Pradesh's zardozi heritage, Karnataka and Uttarakhand.

The Bihar tableau showcased Gandhi's fight against the indigo system in Motihari in Champaran district that led the foundation for his greater role as the man who brought his country to freedom from the yokes of imperialism.
The tableau had model of the SDO court where the Mahatma was tried during his visit there in 1917 and the trial was also depicted in relief at the rear of the side portion of the float.
Chhattisgarh showcased a model of Kahiragarh Music and Art University as its theme, and the mock-up of the red building drew cheers from the crowd.
However, there was no tableau from Delhi for the third consecutive year.

Madhya Pradesh took pride in depicting its rare breed of
white tiger while Karnataka displayed its Kodagu - land of coffee.
The tableau by the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry had a figurine of Ambedkar holding the Constitution in one hand and the other arm outstretched.
Commemorating Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary, the tableau showcased Parliament House, a replica of a grand memorial to him at his birthplace Mhow in MP, and a scene of handing over of the Constitution by him to the first President Rajendra Prasad.
One side of the tableau also showed an image of the 125th year commemorative coins in Ambedkar's honour, while its back side featured an image of a commemorative postage stamp.

It also showcased a postal stamp and two commemorative coins.
The tableau of Ministry of New and Renewable energy had a theme of 'Mega watt to Giga watt' highlighted research and technology development in new areas such as ocean, tidal energy and hydrogen.
Drinking water and sanitation ministry's tableau was based on the theme of Swachh Bharat while Digital India was showcased by Ministry of Communications and IT.
The front portion of the tableau was designed like a printer to highlight digital services of India post. The props accompanying the tableau represented various gadgets like mobile phone, tablet, USB drive, chips while the base was shaped as mouse in a computer.

The tableau of Election Commission projected the inclusive and ethical participation for a stronger democracy showing model polling stations, ramp for handicapped and special facilities for elderly and other awareness programmes.