Cities On A Parade

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As India celebrates its 74th Republic Day, the parade takes center stage, with millions watching the spectacle unfold. The President’s flag hoisting marks the beginning. But it’s the vibrant jhankis that capture the nation’s story, showcasing achievements, and spotlighting city developments. This year, we turn the focus on how cities have been represented in the parade and explore their evolving role in this grand tradition.

Tableau of Maharashtra | Source: timesnownews

As the nation rejoices and celebrates its 74th Republic Day, millions will be streaming and watching the parade live. The Republic Day Parade is synonymous with the day’s celebration and is one of the most notable public events held in the capital city.

As the President unfurls our national flag, different states and ministries will present their tableaux (jhankis) walking down the Kartavya Path. Each tableau is crafted with meticulous detail and thought – while some showcase feats achieved by the state, some concentrate on cities and their developments in the past year.

This year we focus on highlighting the representation of our cities in the R-Day parade and the ways in which they have been incorporated in the past.

The nation gears up for its 74th Republic Day parade

Last year, the historical path on which the Republic Day parade has been happening for the last 73 years was renamed from Rajpath to Kartavya Path. It was made possible by a resolution that was passed by a city government, namely the North Delhi Municipal Corporation.

Cities of India have been entwined with the history of the Republic Day parade. They are critical, though lesser-perceived, aspects present in these parades.

History of the Parade

On 25th January 1950, our President and Prime Minister along with cabinet ministers, were sworn in to office, declaring India a democratic sovereign republic state.

And it was on 26th January that the President took a long ceremonial ride across Rajpath in an open coach which bore the Lion Capital from Sarnath, which also became India’s national emblem on the same day. His ride was marked by a 31-gun salute marking our first Republic Day celebration as an Independent State.

Republic Day Themes

Every year the Union Government decides upon a theme for the celebration based on the important events that took place in the following year nationally and globally. The larger theme is “Participation of common people” – जन भागीदारी 

This year the theme for tableaux is:

1. India@75 – achievements, freedom struggle, innovations, ideas, actions and resolve

2. 2023: International Year of millets

3. Nari shakti

Those who move our cities are special invitees!

As a part of the celebration, this year a major chunk of the front row seats are reserved for vegetable vendors and rickshaw pullers to represent their significant contribution to our ecosystem.

Along with that, maintenance workers of the Kartavya path are also included in the special invitee list for this year’s celebration. Additionally, ‘Sharmyogis’, i.e., labourers who are currently working on the Central Vista Project, are also invited to view the parade.

State Selection

The process behind selection of the tableaux (jhankis):

1. First Phase: Tableaux design proposals are evaluated

An expert committee with prominent persons from varied fields is empanelled to evaluate the designs submitted. Post-review, the committee makes suggestions on the sketches/design. After these edits, the final sketch is resubmitted and is then approved by the committee.

The team is asked to prepare a 3D model. Once the mock 3D model is made, it is evaluated by the committee. However, it is pertinent to note that entering this stage does not guarantee one’s selection. Along with that, non-attendance in one of these meetings implies that the team has been disqualified. The cost of these models and additional costing for the tableaux is all borne by the concerned authority/agency.

2. Second Phase: Evaluation of the 3D model

As the 3D model design has been fixed, they are evaluated by the committee on the basis of the tableau’s visual appeal, its impact on the masses, the idea/theme of the tableaux, the degree of detailing, the music used, and the local artisans used. The weightage is 60:30:10% (design:local artist:music). The process extends to 6-7 rounds with constant revisions. But passing each round does not guarantee selection. Finally, on the day of the parade, only if the committee hands out a certificate are they allowed to present.

3. Final Phase: Walk the parade.

Cities in Tableaux

This year Gujarat’s tableau design will focus upon clean, green, efficient energy production featuring Modhera. The village is India’s first round-the-clock solar-powered village. The initiative was funded by the central government and the Government of Gujarat, costing about 9.7 million dollars.

West Bengal’s tableau will highlight Goddess Durga and its recognition in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, celebrating Nari Shakti in the state. Jharkhand’s tableau will focus on Baijnath Dham in Deoghar with the newly approved government designs and development work.

Tableau of Haryana | Source: timesnownews

Tableau of Gujarat | Source: timesnownews

Recognition of cities in this last year’s R-Day parade

Last year, the state of Uttar Pradesh showcased the spiritual city of Varanasi and highlighted the then-approved Kashi-Vishwanath Dham project. The project is undertaken by the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Special Area Development Board (SKVSADB) and costs about 900 crores.

The state tableau for Meghalaya celebrated and paid tribute to 50 years of women-led societies and SHGs. The state is one of the few examples where the sex ratio is not skewed. Recent elections have seen more female voters than male voters, and the literacy gap between men and women is 3.1 percentage points.

Cities in the past parades

In 2021, the state tableau for Delhi showcased the reconstruction of Shahjahanabad. The design highlighted the façade redevelopment work along with featured projects from PWD and the much-recognised Chandi Chowk redevelopment project, which cost 90 crores.

Uttarakhand’s state tableau focused on Kedarnath – celebrating its religious legacy and biodiversity. Post the 2013 floods, the state hoped to highlight the redevelopment and initiatives taken up by the government to save Kedarnath.

Recognition of urban policies in R-Day parade

In 2016, the state tableau of Jammu and Kashmir showcased ‘Merao Gaon Mera Jahan’, which was the state’s flagship project under the Clean and Green Mission (2015-16).

Whereas Chandigarh’s theme for the same year focused on the area’s initiative for smart, clean and green Chandigarh.

Similarly, in the same year the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy based their tableau design on showcasing recent developments in renewable energy sources. Whereas the Ministry of Water and Sanitation highlighted the importance of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Presence of Common Citizens

This year, a separate dedicated portal was launched for the sale of tickets, admit cards, invitations, car parking passes, etc.

People who are invited to the parade will be allowed free transportation through metro. Usually, the ticket prices vary according to the event one is attending, but the price ranges from Rs. 20 to Rs.100, and a special ticket costs Rs. 500. This year, the government has put a total of 32,000 tickets for sale to the masses.