Odisha’s tableau that participated in the Republic Day parade in Delhi has been awarded the top prize at this year’s Republic Day parade.
The Odisha tableau featured a model of the heritage crafts village of Raghurajpur with messages on women empowerment.
The tableau showcased the wonderful craftsmanship and artistry through Raghurajpur pattachitra and handicrafts. Moreover, it highlighted women’s empowerment in rural areas through cottage industries. The tableau model was prepared under the supervision of Gajendra Sahoo.
The tableaus from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been adjudged second and third respectively. Sixteen states and Union territories had presented their tableaus at the parade.
Apart from Odisha, the tableau of Gujarat won the first prize in the people’s choice category. The tableau of the Ministry of Culture has been adjudged the best tableau amongst ministries and departments.
Similarly, Delhi police women marching contingent became top in Best Marching Contingent from CAPFs/ Auxillary forces.
The central theme of Odisha tableau highlighted the integral role of women in the state’s handicraft and handloom sector. Through live demonstrations, it emphasized their active participation and showcased their adaptability to technology, featuring scenes of women engaging in cashless transactions and e-platform marketing.
A standout element of the tableau was a large umbrella that represented the all-encompassing assistance provided to craftsmen by the federal and state governments as part of the “Vikshit Bharat” initiative. The objective of this endeavor is to promote advancement and growth across multiple domains.
The back of the tableau depicted the spirit of Raghurajpur village, with a historic hut where women play a major role in making masks and Pattachitras, which are traditional paintings on cloth. The village’s conversion into an open museum functioned as a symbolic illustration of the path leading to a “Vikshit Bharat.”