This year Republic Day Parade on Rajpath will witness
tableaux from 17 States and Six Ministries of the Central Government. These
tableaux will showcase varied themes starting from country’s rich cultural
heritage and socio-economic development to nation’s progress in key areas like
IT, Women, Empowerment and Environment Protection. A brief write-up on each tableaux highlighting its significance is given below:
GOA
Jagor Folk Dance
‘Jagor’, the traditional folk dance-drama, is performed by the Hindu
Kunbi and Christian Gauda community of Goa, to seek the Devine Grace for
protection and prosperity of the crop. Literal meaning of Jagor is “jagran” or
wakeful nights. The strong belief is that the night long performance,
awakens the deities once a year and they continue to remain awake throughout
the year guarding the village.
Perni Jagor is the ancient mask
dance – drama of Goa, performed by Perni families, using well crafted and
painted wooden masks, depicting various animals, birds, super natural power,
deities, demons and social characters.
Gauda Jagor, is an impression of social life, that displays all the existing moods
and modes of human characters. It is predominantly based on three main
characters, Gharasher, Nikhandar and Parpati wearing
shining dress and headgears. The performance is accompanied by vibrant tunes of
Goan folk instruments like Nagara/Dobe, Ghumat, Madale and Kansale.
In some places, Jagor performances are held with participation of both
Hindus and Christian community, whereby, characters are played by Hindus and
musical support is provided by Christian artistes.
GUJARAT
Gir Wildlife Sanctuary: Asiatic Lions
The tableau depicts some rare and exotic varieties
along with Sidi community, settled in the Gir forest, performing their
traditional dance number.
The only natural abode of Asiatic lions at the Gir
Wildlife Sanctuary is a distinct identity of Gujarat. The relentless efforts of
the Government in collaborations with the cattle owners have established a
unique ecological balance between the flora and fauna in the sanctuary. This
has resulted in a sharp rise in the number of the endangered species to 523!
The front portion of the tableau shows the Asiatic
lion in its distinguished majestic pose as the King of the Forest. The other
portion shows cattle owners living amicably amidst a Pride of Lions drinking
water from the poolside. The cohabitation of man and wildlife is an important
component of the Lions Conservation Programme.
As many as 31 species of mammals are found in the Gir
and over 300 species of birds are also found in the Gir forest.
SIKKIM
Saga Dawa
The tableau depicts celebration of Buddha Jayanti in Sikkim, which is
popularly called Saga Dawa. It is an important occasion which marks the Gautama
Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and attainment of Nirvana or Moksha.
The Buddhist communities of Sikkim on this day take a religious
procession carrying the chariot of Gautama Buddha and sacred Scriptures on
their shoulder and enchant “Om Mane Padme Hum”. These Holy Scriptures are
called “Kangyurtengyur”.
The prayer wheels in front of the trailor are religious symbol for doing
prayer. The wheels rotates clockwise and contain rolls
of paper having mantras written on them.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Mera Gaon Mera Jahan
The tableau of Jammu and Kashmir, depicts rural
development through technology and economic activities, besides making the
villages clean and green.
Mera Gaon Mera Jahan (my village my world) under Clean and Green Mission
2015-16 is the flagship scheme of the Government of India which aims at
reaching ensuring sustainable rural development by making available environment
friendly, latest technology.
Under the scheme, the Jammu and Kashmir State has adopted three villages
i.e. Apple village of Kashmir, Apricot village of Ladakh and Basmati village of
Jammu, to highlight different stages of seedlings, plantation, weeding,
cleaning packing etc. The scheme also aims at creating awareness among the
people about making their villages clean, green,
healthy, polythene free, besides conserving natural resources.
RAJASTHAN
Hawa Mahal
The tableau showcases “Hawa Mahal” not as a monument, but as a “lively
Building”, which is full of eye-catching activities throughout the day and
night.
Grandeur of Jaipur and pride of Rajasthan, this huge structure is famous
as “Palace of Winds” in the entire world and is a world heritage site. It was
built in 1799 by the King of Jaipur Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and was
designed by the architect Lal Chand Usta. He designed it in the form of
the crown of Shri Krishna. Standing 50 feet high, this five storey huge
building has 953 small windows known as “Jharokhas”. It reflects the striking
fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture style.
In this tableau, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh is shown in the front,
while the replica of “Hawa Mahal” is shown in the rear side of the tableau.
Some women are shown performing “Panihaarin” – the famous folk dance of
Jaipur. Famous craft & arts stops are also showcased on the tableau along
with some tourists.
CHANDIGARH
“Open to give, open to receive”
The tableau depicts the smart, green and dream city of Chandigarh.
Chandigarh, the dream city of India, was planned by the famous French
Architect ‘Le Corbusier’. Picturesquely located at the foothills of Shivaliks,
the conception of the city has been formulated on the basis of four major
functions - Working, Care of the Body, Spirit and Circulation. It is known as
one of the best experiments in urban planning and modern architecture.
The Capitol Complex, the focal point, both
visually and symbolically, is considered to be the most representative of
Le-Corbusier’s work. The structure of the High Court is based on a simple
system of columns, beams and slabs. The Chandigarh Legislative Assembly has
3 elements on the roof: the hyperboloid, the pyramid and the lift-tower.
Le-Corbusier was big on symbols and it is said that the roofs sculptural
elements are a reflection of the sun and the moon.
Corbusier defined the Open Hand as ‘a hand to give and a hand to
receive’ and projected it as city’s official emblem dictating the ideology of
the city.
TRIPURA
Unakoti Sculptures: A Bewitching Tourists’ Attraction
The tableau Unakoti, a Shiva pilgrimage site, located about 186 km away
from Agartala and dates back to 7th to 9th centuries AD.
The word Unakoti, means one less than a crore.
The site consists of several huge vertical rock-cut carvings on a
hillside. The site shows strong evidence of Buddhist Art along with Shiva head
and imposing Ganesha figures, having a height of 30 feet. The rocky walls also
have carved images of Hindu pantheon like, Durga and Vishnu. The Unakoti
rock-cut carvings have the distinction of being the largest bas-relief
sculpture in India.
Unakoti has been included in the tourism map of India as a remarkable
tourists’ resort. Common pilgrims frequent the place and tourists from far and
wide also converge in Unakoti with much enthusiasm.
ODISHA
The Glorious Tradition of Boita Bandana
The tableau of Odisha presents the maritime activities and glorious
tradition of Boita-Bandana festival of ancient Odisha. This more or less
concentrates around the Sadhava tradition in Odisha, who were great maritime
traders and the tableau depicts their traditions. Life size fiber statues
depicting Sadhavas with boxes (Sindhuks) meant for storage of goods and
precious materials adorn this portion. The Trolley portion carries the boat
house and Sadhavas depicting life activities of trade.
Ancient Odisha, popularly known as Kalinga was the epicenter of the inland
and foreign trade. The geographical setting of the State had supported the
development of seaports like Tamralipti, Chelitalo, Palur, Pithunda
along its coastline. The mariners of Kalinga were endowed with sound knowledge
of navigation and had commercial, socio-cultural and political relations with
South East Asian countries like Srilanka, Java, Sumatra, Bali, Borneo, China,
Burma, Cambodia, Champa, Malaya and Thailand.
WEST BENGAL
Bauls of Bengal
The Bauls, a wandering minstrels community of
Bengal, who follow a distinctive spiritual and musical tradition that had its
roots in the Bhakti and Sufi movement. The Baul genre, recognised among the
‘Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. The
folk singers, coming both from Hindu and Muslim communities, spread the ideals
of peace, brotherhood and mystic philosophy through simple words and metaphors.
Baul is not a religion, but rather a way of life. Ignoring all kinds of
religious social stigma and social barriers, Bauls try to find their or ‘Monner
Manush’ (the Infinite Self), through music. Ektara, Dotara, Khamak, Nupur,
Premjuri, Dubki etc. are commonly used instruments of Baul music. Baul
singers travel from one village to another or sometimes stay in ‘akharas’ or
monasteries.
Traditionally, Baul songs talk about the relationship between man and
the supreme Being and the ways to attain spiritual
liberation. But in recent times, their music also conveys social messages and
creates awareness about government schemes in villages of Bengal. They are an
integral part of the Lok Prasar Prakalpa scheme of west Bengal, under which
financial assistance is being provided to folk artistes.
BIHAR
Champaran Satyagrah
The tableau of Bihar State presents Champaran Movement
of 1917 against the backdrop of the major role played by Mahatma Gandhi. The
main portion of the tableau shows Mahatma Gandhi in his youth in the year 1917.
The trailer portion depicts the picture of complete
atrocity of the Britishers, against poor farmers as shown. Use of violence and
force against hapless farmers is shown in the side murals as well as the
platform.
A depiction of indigo plantation around the main
platform aptly sets the pace for the theme. The peasants of Champaran,
were forced to grow the Indigo under the teenkathia system. Under which the
peasants were forced to plant 3 out of 20 parts of his land with indigo. One
local peasant leader, Rajkumar Shukla had invited Mahatma Gandhi to visit
Champaran. Gandhiji arrived in Champaran but was ordered by the District
Magistrate of Champaran, WB Heycock, to leave the district. Gandhiji refused
and persisted and decided to commit Satyagraha. He proceeded towards the
Champaran, finally succeeding in the movement and was called ‘Bapu’ since then.
KARNATAKA
Kodagu: The Coffee Land of Karnataka
The tableau depicts the erstwhile princely State of Karnataka, a major
coffee producing district, and is the mainstay of India becoming one among the
top six coffee producers in the world.
Women form the bulk of the labour force of roughly a million, who are
directly or indirectly engaged in the industry.
Kodagu, the coffee land of Karnataka, set amidst misty hills,
sandal-wood forests and vast tracts of coffee and tea plantations, is a
picturesque sight to behold, inhabited by Kodava community with distinct
culture and traditions.
MADHYA
PRADESH
White Tiger of Madhya Pradesh
The tableau of Madhya Pradesh presents a model of this
rare breed of White Tiger in wilderness, along with some tourists enjoying the
flora and fauna in the natural habitat of the state.
Madhya Pradesh, with the largest forest cover in the
country and one of the largest populations of tigers in the country, also has
the honour of being the natural habitat of the rarest breed of tigers – the
White Tiger. The White Tiger was first captured by king
Martand Singh in the year 1951 in district of Rewa. All the White Tigers seen
in the world are the progeny of that first captured tiger.
Now, Government of Madhya Pradesh is setting up the
White Tiger Safari at a place called Mukundpur Satna near the city of Rewa,
where the people will have the opportunity of watching the White Tigers in
their natural surroundings.
CHHATTISGARH
Khairagarh Music and Art University
The tableau of Chhattisgarh depicts Khairagarh Music
and Art University – one of the oldest universities in Asia dedicated to
various forms of music, dance, fine arts and theatre.
Established in 1956, this university has made a
strenuous effort to strike a balance between traditional and modern art in this
era of globalization. The university is committed to develop music and fine
arts as economically relevant career option among the students who come here
from across the world.
Apart from education, the university provides research
facility on wide range of subjects such as classical music, Indian classical
musical instruments, folk dance, folk music, traditional sculpture and history
of painting.
The front portion of the Chhattisgarh tableau presents
a sculpture of Murlidhar prepared by students and teachers of the university.
It also showcases the artistic building of the university along with various
forms of art and music.
TAMILNADU
Todas
The tableau depicts Toda tribe of Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu
identified as one of the six primitive tribal groups of the state. They speak a
non-linguistic language and have unique appearance, manners and customs.
The Toda village is called a Mund. The huts are small and half
barrel-shaped, with a small doorway. The village also has a unique hut, called
“Tirierl” or dairy temple.
The sole occupation of Todas is Cattle-herding and dairy-work. The
traditional garment of Todas consists of a single piece of cloth with red and
black embroidery. Todas are vegetarians. The women makeup
their hair with ringlet.
The mountain District of the Nilgiris is also home to the flowers called
“Kurinji” which blooms once in 12 years.
UTTARAKHAND
Festival of Ramman
The Tableau depicts the festival of Ramman based on the story of
‘Ramayana’ in Uttarakhand having Narshingh Devta ‘God’ at the front of the
tableau. The festival has been declared World Heritage in 2009 by UNESCO.
Artists play the folk musical instrument of Uttarakhand “Bhankor” at the middle
part of tableau and temple of Bhumyal God and The Himalaya at the back part are
presented.
Some selected contexts of Ramayan are performed with folk style in
Ramman. Dance is performed wearing the mask at Temple complex of Bhumyal God in
night. There are masks of various epical, historical and imaginative
characters. The masks are of two types. “Dhyo Pattar” and
“Khyalari Pattar”. “Dhyo Pattar” mask and
character is related to god. “Khyalari Pattar” are
entertaining characters.
Ramman is series of various events of worships and rituals. Community
Worship, Devyatra, Folk Drama, Dances, Songs, Comedies, Fairs etc are held
here.
UTTAR PRADESH
Zardozi – the Unique Art of Embroidery
The tableau depicts Zardozi one of the ancient and lavish embroidery
patronized in the past by the Nawabs of the Awadh and other royal people. This
distinguished style of traditional Indian embroidery has been practiced and
passed on from generations, in various parts of Uttar Pradesh. Zardozi is the
main source of income for artisans of Lucknow and other adjoining parts. These
products are exported to foreign countries also.
Zardozi embroidery is impressively ornamental and involves profound use
of crusted gold thread work.
Initially, the embroidery was done with pure silver wires and real gold
leaves. However, today, craftsmen make use of a combination of copper wire,
with a golden or silver polish, and a silk thread.
ASSAM
Rangoli Bihu
The Assam tableau showcases the local people of Assam engaged in celebration
of their important festival in the backdrop of a typical hut in an Assamese
village. In the courtyard, young boys and girls of Assam are seen performing
traditional Bihu dance and an Assamese couple welcoming friends and relatives
to their home for the festivities.
Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu is the most important festival of state of
Assam. It is celebrated in spring season during the month of April. Rangoli
Bihu festival also marks the beginning of the Assamese New Year.
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT
Dr Bhimrao Ramji
Ambedkar
The tableau depicts the 125th Anniversary
of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, affectionately known as Babasaheb, was a great
philosopher, parliamentarian, orator, scholar, jurist, economist, politician
and social reformer. He played key role in establishing unity, integrity and
democratic fabric of our Country. A Renowned Alumnus of Columbia University and
London School of Economics, he took-up cudgels
against social discrimination. He continues to inspire us in our present day
endeavours to secure for the weaker sections their due rights in society.
He adopted the concept of equality. He was Independent
India’s first law minister and the principal architect of the Constitution of
India. As Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Dr Ambedkar
anticipated every conceivable requirement of the new polity.
MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
Mega Watt to Giga Watt – Making the Sun Brighter, Even
at Night
The Tableau showcases our commitment to environment
protection by the use of renewable energy. India has announced a very ambitious
renewable energy capacity target of 175 GW by 2022. India already has an
impressive cumulative existing installed capacity of approximately 38 GW of
solar, wind, small hydro and bio-energy.
Renewable Energy benefits everyone from the farmer in
a remote village to a factory in the heart of the city. Being clean,
non-polluting, and renewable, it makes the air cleaner, the earth greener and
brings prosperity, health and happiness to all.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is dedicated
to developing skilled workers and creating jobs in renewable energy. It has
also been spearheading research and technology development in new areas such as
ocean, tidal energy, hydrogen, etc, which would also contribute greatly to
sustainable and environmental friendly future.
MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER & SANITATION
Swachchh Bharat Mission
The Government of India launched the ‘Swachchh Bharat Mission’ on
October 2, 2014 to accelerate efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage,
improve cleanliness and eliminate open defecation in India targeted to be
achieved by 2nd October 2019. The mission is India’s greatest
initiative since independence for focused action plan to bring about total
cleanliness in the country through improved sanitation and by developing
hygienic behavior amongst the population. Since the launch of the mission, the
sanitation coverage has increased from 39 per cent in 2012-13
to 49 per cent in December 2015.
The tableau of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation is based on the
theme of ‘Swachchh Bharat’. The front part of the tableau displays the logo of
‘Swachchh Bharat Mission’ – the familiar spectacles of Mahatma Gandhi who first
envisioned the dream of a clean India. The rear portion of the tableau shows
the citizens of the country basking in the clean, green and hygienic
environment achieved in villages, cities, schools, etc. through the concerted
campaigns and measures adopted by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
under Swachchh Bharat Mission.
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATION AND IT
Digital India
The tableau of Ministry of Communication and IT showcasing the projected
achievements of its ambitious project – Digital India aims to transform the
country into a Digitally Empowered Society and Knowledge Economy. The focus of
Digital India project is to develop, promote and exhibit Indian Talent and
leverage Information Technology to bring about a new Indian era in the rapidly
evolving international environment.
The front portion of the tableau has been designed like a printer to
highlight Digital services of India Post. The props accompanying the tableau
represent various gadgets like mobile phone, tablet, USB Drive, Chips, etc to
enable the citizens of the country to gain access to various services offered
under the Digital India program. The base of the tableau has been shaped as the
mouse in a computer. The trailer portion depicts the citizen centric services
of the program like e-Health, My Gov, Bharat Broadband, e-Education in rural
areas.
ELECTION
COMMISSION OF INDIA
Inclusive and Ethical Electoral Participation
The tableau of the Election Commission of India shows
the inclusive and ethical participation for a stronger democracy. The people
from different regions of the country are around the central figure of Ashoka
Stupa, with the national Emblem, representing diversity of Indian population.
National portal showing e-enabled facilities are depicted in the tractor
portion.
The central theme of Election and the process of
facilitation of elections in varied terrains are depicted in the side murals as
well as on the trailer platforms. Some of them being, Model polling stations,
Facilitation processes, ramp for handicapped and special facilities for the
elderly, medical facilities, awareness programmes.
MINISTRY
OF PANCHAYAT RAJ
Sashakt Mahila, Sashakt Panchayati Raj evam Samaaj
The Tableau of Ministry of Panchayati Raj showcases
four such real achievements of elected women representatives, who have taken up
important social issues on a war footing and came out with flying colours.
The 73rd Amendment to the Indian
Constitution revolutionized the political participation or political
empowerment of women at grassroot levels, by bringing reservation for women to
the tune of one-third seats in Panchayati Raj institutions. Today, there are
about 1.3 million women Elected Representatives in the Panchayats, accounting
for over 40 per cent of the total elected Panchayati Raj representatives. These
women representatives are actively providing leadership role and actively
influencing decision making in many Panchayats to transform better the lives of
people, focusing on primary education, rural health, livelihoods etc.
One success story is the initiative taken up on the
Gaurmati Gram Panchayat, Chattisgarh to fight against alcoholism in the village
using the State Government campaign of “Bharat Mukti Vahini”, which has
made the Gram Panchayat alcohol free. Another example is the holistic
development of a tribal Gram Panchayat in Nashik District, Maharashtra, named
Dari Gram Panchayat, which has become a model Panchayat for health, education,
safe drinking water supply and innovative income generation. The Tableau also
showcases the campaign for Swachch Bharat Abhiyan and Computer literacy for
young girls both initiated under the leadership of women sarpanches. The side
panel depicts an improved Anganwadi centre from Dindugal Panchayat, Tamil Nadu.
The lower side panels along the trolley portion of the Tableau portray
photographs of success stories of award winning panchayats headed by woman
sarpanches.
DM/RAJ