Republic Day 2024: Tableaux Selection Process, Importance & More | - Times of India (2024)

The Republic Day parade, held every year on January 26, is a grand spectacle that showcases the cultural and military diversity of India. One of the most prominent features of the

parade

is the display of

tableaux

or floats from different states, union territories, central ministries, and departments. These tableaux are designed to reflect the theme, achievements and aspirations of the respective regions or sectors.
But how are these tableaux selected and what is their significance? Let us find out.

Selection process of the tableaux

According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which is responsible for conducting the parade, there is a standard procedure for selecting the tableaux. Every year, months ahead of the event, the MoD invites proposals from states, UTs and departments on a broad theme. For instance, the theme of 2024 is ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India-Mother of Democracy).

The proposals must include a concept note, along with design sketches and models of the tableaux. The proposals are then evaluated by an expert committee, comprising eminent artists, designers, architects and cultural experts. The committee shortlists the best proposals based on their originality, creativity, artistic merit, relevance and visual appeal.
The shortlisted proposals are then invited to present their tableaux at a trial venue in Delhi, where they are assessed on various parameters such as aesthetics, functionality, mobility and safety. The final selection is made after the trial, and the selected participants are allotted slots in the parade.

The selection process is rigorous and competitive, as only a limited number of tableaux can be accommodated in the parade. For 2024, out of 56 proposals received, only 25 have been selected, including 16 from states and UTs and nine from central ministries and departments.

Significance of the tableaux

The tableaux are not just decorative pieces, but powerful symbols of India’s unity in diversity. They showcase the rich and varied cultural heritage, social and economic development, scientific and technological achievements, and democratic values of the country. They also highlight the achievements and challenges of the respective regions or sectors, and their contribution to the national vision.

The tableaux also serve as a platform for showcasing the creativity and innovation of the artists, designers and craftsmen involved in their making. They reflect the artistic vision, craftsmanship and technical skills of the participants, who work tirelessly to create these masterpieces.
Evoking a sense of pride and patriotism among the viewers, who witness the colourful and vibrant display of India’s diversity and dynamism the tableaux are a wonderful spectacle for the citiznes of this nation. They also inspire the viewers to learn more about the different aspects of the country, and appreciate its beauty and potential.

Tableaux for 2024

The 2024 Republic Day parade will be a special one, as it will mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of India's constitution. The parade will also be women-centric, as the central government has dedicated it to women empowerment. The tableaux will reflect this theme by highlighting the role and contribution of women in various fields and sectors.
Some of the tableaux that will be displayed this year are:
Manipur: The tableau will feature women working with delicate fibres of lotus stems and making yarns using traditional ‘charkhas’. It will also showcase the unique all-women market of ‘Ima Keithel’ and the popular fabrics innovated by Manipuri women.
ISRO: The tableau will showcase the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which aims to land a rover on the moon. It will also highlight the role of women scientists and engineers in the mission.
DRDO: The tableau will showcase the significant contribution of women scientists in core areas of defence research, such as anti-satellite missile, anti-tank guided missile and light combat aircraft Tejas.
Tamil Nadu: The tableau will showcase the state’s achievements in the field of politics by displaying the polling process which was adopted in the Chola period of the 10th century.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways: The tableau will showcase the development of India’s maritime sector, such as the rise in the number of women seafarers, the development of lighthouse and cruise tourism, and the Sagarmala project.
Madhya Pradesh: The tableau will showcase the state’s achievement of women’s integration directly into the development process through its welfare schemes. It will also feature the state’s first woman fighter pilot, Avani Chaturvedi, of the Indian Air Force.
Gujarat: Gujarat's tableau will showcase the Dhordo village in the Rann of Kutch. The village recently made it on to the 54 best tourism villages list.
Odisha: Odisha's tableau will feature the women-led handicrafts and handloom sectors.
Chhattisgarh: The tableau will display the female dominance in the tribal communities of Bastar. The float will be decorated with terracotta and bells as tribute to the tribal citizens of the state
Haryana: Haryana's tableau will proudly display women empowerment of the women of the state through the program 'Mera Parivar - Meri Pehchan'. It will also feature women's empowerment in the Digital age and how the Digital India initiative enabled them to better their lives.
Rajasthan: The iconic 'Ghoomar' dance is set to be the main spectacle aboard the Rajasthani tableau with the other focus being on the development of women led handloom industries. A stunning statue of Meera Bai is also set to take centre stage.
Ladakh: The Indian women's hockey team will make their debut on the Ladakh tableau as Ladakhi women also comprise a part of the national hockey team.
The tableaux for 2024 promise to be a spectacular display of women empowerment, cultural diversity and national pride. They will surely captivate the viewers and make the Republic Day parade a memorable event.