Republic Day tableaux give a glimpse of India's diversity

Enter the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp in Delhi and you will immediately sense the patriotic fervour as people from different parts of the country prepare for the 77th Republic Day Parade. Giving a sneak peek into the rich and diverse culture of the country, tableaux from different states are one of the most fascinating aspects of the Republic Day parade. The Rangshala camp is currently housing the life-sized 3D models representing the different states and departments.
With just a day left for the ceremony, participants are busy with last-minute preparations – from giving finishing touches to the colourful models, fixing the costumes and rehearsing the dance steps.
Odisha: A blend of odissi and sambalpuri dance forms Filled with a sense of pride that he will be representing his state at a national level, 25-year-old classical dancer Sunil Kumar Bala from Odisha says, "This is not my first time performing here but it always feels special." Decked in shiny drapes and with elaborate eye makeup, Sunil and his troupe is all pumped up to perform a blend of Odissi and Sambalpuri dance forms and portray the famous Rath Yatra festival of Odisha.
Assam: Bamboo and cane craft

Assam will showcase the state’s bamboo and cane crafts in its tableau. Bamboo and cane are abundant and an integral part of the lifestyle and economy of Assam and a variety of products are made of these things – including bamboo mats, baskets of various sizes and shapes, winnows, sieves, japi (traditional umbrella) and various fishing implements.
Punjab: Guru Nanak's teachings

Punjab's tableau is themed around first Sikh master Guru Nanak Dev's teachings. A group of 36 artistes couldn't be happier that they are getting to be a part of the celebration of India's biggest festival. "We have so many states with diverse, cultures and celebrations. But when we participate in the R-Day parade, we stand united to represent India. It is our biggest festival and we all have been working hard to put up our best show before the world," says 24-year-old Kulwinder Singh, who has come to participate in the parade for the first time.
Jammu and Kashmir: Development in villages

The theme of J&K tableau this year is 'Back To Village' and 30 artistes, who are a part of the R-Day tableau for the first time, say that they have worked hard for days to make sure they highlight the developments in villages of J&K through their tableau. "It is a big privilege for us to get a chance to come to Delhi and be a part of the R-Day celebrations. Even watching the parade on TV gave us goosebumps, so you can imagine what an honour it is for us to be here," says Sunny Mujoo, a choreographer for the J&K tableau, which will depict J&K's cultural life and traditional arts and crafts.
Madhya Pradesh: A taste of the state's tribal art

A first-time visitor to Delhi, tribal musician Pratap Singh seemed to be in awe of the capital city. "It is not only my first time to this event but also to the city and I am very grateful for that," says Pratap. Here to showcase the Gond tribe's Saila Nach on behalf of Madhya Pradesh's tableau, the 28-year-old is thrilled that his family and friends can watch him and his troupe on TV. "I want everyone in the country to know about our adivasi art forms, and of course, it is a big deal to be here," he says with a smile.
Meghalaya: The beauty of the living root bridge

Meghalaya will showcase its unique double-decker living root bridge in its tableau. The state's Khasi and Jaintia people are known for bridging the gaps by using the secondary roots of trees. Locally known as 'Jingkieng Diengjri', it literally means rubber tree bridge.
Andhra Pradesh: Folk dance of Rayalaseema region

Praveen Kumar from Andhra Pradesh tells us, "It is our first time here and we are looking forward to enjoy ourselves. I feel fortunate as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity." In a rich display of culture, Praveen and his troupe are here to perform Chekka Bhajana, a nearly-vanishing folk dance from the Rayalaseema region. The troupe, which has been preparing for three months, is all set to enthrall visitors.
Uttar Pradesh: Promoting tourism

The tableau will exhibit the cultural & religious tourism and the 'Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava' theme. The tableau will give a glimpse of Kashi’s cultural heritage along the river Ganga, and also recreate the Sufiyana character of Deva Sharif, located in the Barabanki district of UP.
-- Imana.Bhattacharya@timesgroup.com