Written by Naina Mahajan, a grade 6 student (written in 2022)

The Republic Day celebrations in India are wonderfully extravagant and are a source of great enjoyment for people all around the country. The biggest parade happens every year in New Delhi, with tableaux displayed from the military, as well as different states; with the overall number being 21.

Every year, there is a theme provided for the tableaux which will be showcased in the parade, and all the entries must comply with it. In 2023 the themes were India@75 – Freedom Struggle, Actions @ 75, and Resolve @ 75, meant to pay tribute to the 75^th year of India’s independence.

In 2024 the themes are: ‘India – Mother of Democracy” and ”Viksit Bharat’

How are the Republic Day Tableaux selected, and who oversees the selection?

Here’s how it’s done.

A special panel of experts are responsible for the choosing of the tableaux. This panel works with the Ministry of Defence. It consists of well known people from various fields of art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography etc.

The tableaux ideas submitted by the various states, Union territories, central ministries and departments are thoroughly evaluated through a series of discussions by this committee.

According to the Defence Ministry, “The expert committee examines the proposals on the basis of theme, concept, design and its visual impact before making its recommendations.”

The method of selection

The selection process has many steps of evaluation and consideration.

It begins with an initial appraisal of the various sketches or designs submitted to them, as well as the themes of the display. It concludes after various meetings between the expert committee and the participants, after looking at the three-dimensional models of each tableau.

At each stage of the selection, some of the ideas and designs are eliminated and shortlisted.

In the initial level of selection, the outline and design of the entries are deeply analysed, and any suggestions warranted, are provided, to conduct the alterations in the design or sketch.

Once the various outlines are approved by the committee, the participants are required to present three-dimensional models of their exhibits. Nevertheless, passing on to this stage of selection does not guarantee participation in the parade.

The three-dimensional models presented are further scrutinised by the committee for the final selection, depending on a range of factors of consideration.

The process usually ranges over a period of about six to seven rounds of collaborations over various days.

The factors based on which selection is done include visual attraction, impact on the masses, idea, theme, music, and the level of detail involved in the tableau, among others.

Rules for the design and planning

The Ministry of Defence lays down certain general rules and guidelines with which the entries must comply.

The components of the tableau

A single tractor and trailer are provided free of charge by the Ministry of Defence to build the tableau. The participants are not allowed to use any additional vehicles apart from these. However, there is no opposition to the use of any other vehicles instead of the trailer and tractor. The sponsoring authorities must arrange these.

There should be as much movement, sound, and vigour on the tableau as possible.

Only traditional folk dances, music, musical instruments, costumes etc. may be used.

The design

The sketch submitted should clearly show how the tractor will be used or camouflaged as part of the theme.

Any writing or the use of logos is not allowed, except the state’s/UT’s name written in Hindi in front, English at the back, and the regional languages on either side.

These are the main rules for the tableaux, although there are many practical details that also must be complied with.

This year, the states’ tableaux that have been rejected are Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.

Well, now you know the kind of work and planning that goes into the tableaux. Hopefully, the Parade will be more interesting now.

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Headline image source: Wikipedia

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