MP's R-Day tableau to mark Ahilyabai Holkar's 300th birth anniv

Indore: Madhya Pradesh's tableau at the Republic Day Parade-2026 in New Delhi will mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The tableau will display her personality, governance, self-reliance, women empowerment and cultural preservation associated with Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, an official release said. The front portion of the tableau depicts the statue of Devi Ahilyabai, seated in padmasana holding a Shivling. The middle section shows her with ministers and soldiers, representing her administration and governance system. The lower part depicts temple restoration and construction work undertaken by the Holkar empire during her reign, with a soldier standing guard, the release said. The final section displays the ghats, temples and fort of Maheshwar, Devi Ahilyabai's capital. The holy Narmada river, ghats and boats are depicted below. Temple spires at Maheshwar ghat are visible at the far end of the tableau. The murals show women weaving the Maheshwari saree under the guidance of Devi Ahilyabai, it said. Traditional dance by folk artistes will accompany the tableau, the release added. Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795) was the visionary Maratha Queen of the Malwa kingdom and one of India's greatest administrators. Ruling from her capital in Maheshwar, she governed for nearly 30 years with a focus on justice, peace, and industrial growth, notably establishing the Maheshwari sari industry. She is most revered for her massive restoration of Hindu spiritual heritage across India. She rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780 and developed infrastructure at Somnath, Ayodhya, and Kedarnath. In 2026, India concludes nationwide celebrations marking her 300th birth anniversary, honoring her legacy as a "Lokmata" (mother of the people).