Republic Day 2026 preview: Check out what your State’s tableau is representing

With a broad theme of _‘_Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’ and _‘_Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the tableaux at Republic day 2026 will showcase a unique mix of 150 years of national song Vande Mataram and the nation’s rapid progress on the back of the growing self-reliance across sectors, dipped in its rich and vibrant cultural diversity. At the Republic day media preview, Firstpost took an exclusive look at the array of ideas being depicted by different state tableaux:

Assam

Rooted in the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Asharikandi –
Assam’s renowned craft village stands as a symbol of self-reliance through cultural entrepreneurship perfecting and performing age-old terracotta craftsmanship.

Asharikandi is a village renowned as the largest Assamese terracotta and pottery craft cluster in India and situated in Dhubri district of Assam. The village is home to numerous families who practice traditional pottery and craft, passing down their skill for generations to create various terracotta items over a century.

On the tractor part of the Tableau design, various toys are placed to showcase the rich craftsmanship of the Ashari-kandi terracotta.

The trailer takes the form of a graceful Mayurpangkhi Boat, where artisans are depicted shaping Hiramati (clay) into divine forms of gods and goddesses.

Gujarat

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram, Gujarat’s tableau at the 77th
Republic Day celebrations powerfully portrays the historic journey of the Indian National Flag and its evolving forms over time.

The tableau also offers a graceful depiction of the glorious legacy of the flag inscribed with “Vande Mataram,” prepared by Madam Bhikhaiji Cama, who was born in Navsari, Gujarat.

Furthermore, the tableau seamlessly weaves together the memory of Mahatma Gandhi, who spread the message of Swadeshi through the charkha, with the present-day vision of the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, lending the tableau a distinctive and meaningful identity.

The tableau, depicts the journey of the National flag.

The final segment of the tableau presents a sculptural depiction of Mahatma Gandhi, who conveyed the message of Swadeshi and self-sufficiency through the charkha and gave a clarion call for independence, alongside a towering Dharma Chakra.

Goa

For over 450 years,
Goa remained under Portuguese colonial rule, one of the longest periods of foreign domination in Indian history.

While the rest of India surged ahead in the freedom struggle, Goa appeared silent. Yet beneath this silence, the Goan spirit remained alive, gathering strength and waiting for the call to rise.

That defining call came in 1946 with the arrival of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia, a fearless socialist leader and revolutionary. Defying Portuguese bans on public assembly and free speech, he openly challenged colonial oppression and urged Goans to rise, peacefully, courageously, and united.

The tableaux prominently highlights Fort Aguada and Ghode Modni–The Warrior Folk Dance of Goa which played an essential role in Goa’s freedom struggle.

Through this tableau, Goa proudly conveys its timeless message: as long as the chant of Vande Mataram echoes across every corner of India, the motherland shall forever remain free, proud, and invincible.

Bihar

Makhana forms the central theme of Bihar’s intricately designed Tableau. Makhana, also known as fox nut or lotus seed, has emerged from the ponds of Mithilanchal and gained global recognition. Mithila Makhana also received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2022, giving it a unique identity in the global market.

The central government has announced the establishment of a National Makhana Board in
Bihar and has approved a development package of approximately rupees 475 crore for this scheme.

The objective is to empower makhana production, processing, value addition, and marketing, thereby ensuring a sustainable increase in farmers’ income.

Rajasthan

This year,
Rajasthan’s tableau will showcase Usta Art craft, a world-renowned royal craft that hails from the beautiful town of Bikaner. For the uninitiated, it’s a gold inlay work done on camel hide by skilled artisans (nowadays, it is also being done on wood, marble, glass, and walls) and uses 24-carot gold leaf combined with natural dyes.

This unique art has also received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, making it a recognized emblem of local craftsmanship.

Along with the depiction of this stellar artwork, the tableau shall also feature dancers performing Ger folk dance.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir’s tableau shall unfold with ancestral art including a finely engraved Samavaar, cascading Kani shawls, carpets rich in geometric harmony, and walnut-wood paintings.

Complementing Kashmir’s woodcraft will be the saffron blossoms that rise as the region’s soul in bloom-purple fields and crimson threads.

Overall, the tableau unfolds like a silken tapestry, presenting Jammu and Kashmir as a seamless cultural continuum where craftsmanship and performance unite in a radiant narrative.

Madhya Pradesh

The tableau of
Madhya Pradesh is centered on Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai – the embodiment of self-reliance, patriotism, and the guardian of culture.

Its design will depict her holding a Shivling, her administration with ministers and soldiers, and the temples and ghats she built. It will also highlight the weaving of Maheshwari sarees as a symbol of women’s empowerment under her rule.

The tableau is accompanied by folk artists performing traditional dances, adding vibrancy and rhythm to it.

West Bengal

West Bengal’s tableau portrays its pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle, tracing a journey from cultural awakening to revolutionary leadership.

It pays tribute to
Bengal’s enduring legacy, sacrifice, and leadership in shaping India’s journey to independence, featuring motifs of Swami Vivekananda, Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Rishi Aurobindo, Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, and more.

Additionally, music performances based on the original score of Vande Mataram, which was first sung by Rabindranath Tagore in 1896, add to the tableau’s glory.

Uttar Pradesh

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,
Uttar Pradesh’s tableau presents the state’s rich cultural heritage alongside its rapid development journey, with a special focus on the glorious culture of Bundelkhand.

Through this tableau, the historic grandeur of the ancient Kalinjar Fort is brought alive along with the fast-progressing image of modern Uttar Pradesh.

This presentation reflects the region’s vision, where preservation of heritage and balanced development go hand in hand.

Chhattisgarh

The tableau of Chhattisgarh pays tribute to the immortal tribal heroes who courageously opposed the unjust laws of British rule and sacrificed their lives for the cause of
independence.

In memory of these great martyrs, the country’s first Tribal Digital Museum has been established in Nava Raipur.

With installations including mortifs of Veer Gundadhur and Veer Narayan Singh, the tableau powerfully portrays the indomitable courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to freedom of the tribal community.