Makhana to microchips, Republic Day to showcase India's story of growth

NEW DELHI: At the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp in Delhi Cantonment, the days leading up to Jan 26 are marked by constant activity. The smell of fresh paint hangs heavy in the air as the sound of construction echo across the parade ground. Artisans climb makeshift stairways, painters add final touches and workers carefully align massive structures.

Amid this controlled bustle, Republic Day tableaux are taking shape, with every frame, colour and detail preparing to tell captivating stories on Kartavya Path.




This year's Jan 26 parade marks 150 years of Vande Mataram, and its spirit runs through every creation. On Thursday, TOI witnessed around 30 tableaux in different stages of completion, each reflecting India's past, present and its aspirations. Nearly 10,000 people will soon watch them roll along Kartavya Path, while 2,500 artistes are set to perform, capping the visual spectacle on wheels.

One of the most striking displays is a tableau titled 'Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness', which highlights India's military strength, with Rafale jets and Akash missiles on display. Nearby, Gujarat's tableau traces the journey of India from 1906 to 1947 under the theme of 'Vande Mataram', its structure anchored by a towering figure of Mahatma Gandhi.

Delhi's tableau pays tribute to the Prime Ministers' Museum while showcasing the capital's transformed skyline, featuring the new Parliament, Bharat Mandapam, Signature Bridge and Yashobhoomi as symbols of a changing nation.

Other states, too, have brought their landscapes and legacies vividly to life. Bihar's tableau follows the journey of makhana - from pond to plate. "It took one month to make this whole thing," a carpenter said. Himachal Pradesh is honouring its 1,203 gallantry award winners and Punjab is reflecting the spiritual courage of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur through their tableaux.

Ladakh showcases the engineering feat of Shyok Tunnel, Uttarakhand displays its traditional instruments and utensils, while J&K recreates the charm of a houseboat. Dancers from Tamil Nadu will perform mayilattam, also known as peacock dance. "A team of 17 members is here from Chennai to perform," said Jyotsana, adjusting her costume with a smile. Parasmal Solanki from Rajasthan will perform along with his 16-member team.

Nagaland's tableau features a massive hornbill. "We want everyone to know about Hornbill Festival," said Yangerla, a folk dancer. Jharkhand's tableau showcases the state's natural beauty and aims at attracting tourists, said Neha Agarwal, a state representative.

Karnataka's tableau, From Millets to Microchips, tells a story of holistic growth through scenes of a farmer family with millets, silicon crystals, a robot and a giant microchip - linking agriculture with technology and innovation. Assam has transformed terracotta into visual poetry. Chhattisgarh's tableau pays homage to tribal heroes like Veer Gunda Dhur and Veer Narayan Singh.

Union ministries have added their own narratives. The education tableau traces the evolution of India's knowledge from Aryabhatta's shunya (zero) to PM Shri schools. "All my team members and I are from different Kendriya Vidyalayas," said Elix Singh, a Class XI student.

A unique tableau designed by filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali for the ministry of information and broadcasting depicts the evolution of storytelling - from its oral tradition to cinema. The panchayati raj tableau in the vicinity highlights the SVAMITA scheme.

On Republic Day, these individual pieces will come together to form a moving portrait of India, diverse in expression and united in purpose.