Context: India's Republic Day celebrations would be lacking their full vibrancy without the captivating tableaux parading down Kartavya Path (formerly known as Rajpath). These tableaux, adorn with a multitude of colours, serve as a magnificent display of India's extensive and diverse cultural heritage, infusing the grand occasion with an extra dose of splendour.
How Republic Day tableaux are chosen?
Q. Who can send tableaux to the Republic Day parade?
- According to a Ministry of Defence (MoD), each year, a select number of “State Governments/UT Administrations/Central /Ministries/Departments” send their tableaux to the Republic Day parade.
- There is a rigorous application process which begins with interested parties submitting a concept note, along with design blueprints to the MoD.
- The deadline for submissions to participate in this year’s parade was November 10, 2023.
How does the selection process work?
- The tableaux proposals received are evaluated by a committee of experts appointed by the MoD, comprising prominent persons in the field of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography, etc.
- The selection process happens in a phased manner.
- STAGE 1 involves the assessment of the initial proposals and the design sketch/blueprint. The Committee sits alongside official representatives of the participants and suggests modifications, if necessary. A number of proposals may be rejected in this stage itself.
- STAGE 2 involves assessment of three-dimensional models of the proposals. If the Committee is satisfied with the model, then the tableau is selected and further sent for fabrication. The Committee can also suggest changes to models before selection.
- Crucially, while the process is envisioned to be collaborative, the Committee has the final say on which tableaux are chosen and can order any modifications they feel are required.
What is the basis of selection?
- Selection depends upon a combination of factors including but not limited to visual appeal, impact on the masses, idea/theme of the tableaux, degree of detailing involved in the tableaux, music accompanying the tableaux, local artists used etc.
- Each year, the MoD comes up with an overarching theme, under which, participants can showcase elements relevant to their respective state/UT/department in their tableaux.
- This year’s theme is “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat: Loktantra ki Matrika” (India: the Mother of Democracy).
- The Defence Ministry also shares the basic guidelines about what all the tableaux can or should include.
- The participating entities must engage
- young qualified designers from renowned institutions
- electronic display walls for a bright display of images or content
- moving elements using robotics or mechatronics
- 3D printing could be used for certain elements
- use of augmented or virtual reality
- special effects to improve the optics and visual effects of the tableau
- Extra weightage is given to tableaux which conform to these guidelines.
- Importantly, the tableaux of two different states/ UTs must not be too similar
- Eco-friendly material must be used for their construction.
As Republic Day approaches this year, there is a growing dispute between the Central government and several states ruled by the Opposition regarding the refusal of their proposed tableaux. Up to this point, Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi, and West Bengal have all expressed their discontent with the rejection of their respective tableaux.