72nd Republic Day 2021: Tableaux to be Displayed in Republic Day Parade

Ahead of the 72nd Republic Day celebrations, the parade rehearsals are taking place in Rajpath, New Delhi. This year the celebrations will have some changes due to the prevailing coronavirus pandemic and will miss out on some oldest traditions. There will be comparatively limited visitors, tableaus, and participants in the parade from that of other years. The prime attractions are Rafale fly-past, a foreign contingent, and the first woman Indian fighter pilot. There will be a total of 32 tableaux displaying tomorrow — 17 from states and UTs, nine from ministries and six from the defence arm, including of IAF, Navy, Indian Naval Coast Guard, two from the DRDO, and one from Border Roads Organization (BRO). But the spirit of this auspicious day will always and forever remain intact.

What is Tableau?

A tableau is a group of models or figures of a statue that represents a specific scene from a story or from history.

The Republic Day parade is quite significant in displaying different types of tableaus of states, different departments, and ministries of India portraying their identity and achievements in the form of their respective tableaux.

How the tableaux are selected?

The government has a well-established system to select which tableaux will be displayed during the Republic Day Parade. Ministries and states send their applications to an expert committee that consists of experts from fields such as art, culture, sculpture, music, architecture, and choreography. The Committee examines the proposals for their theme, concept, design, and visual impact before making its recommendations.

The schedule of the Republic Day parade:

This year for the first time a 122 member contingent of our neighbouring country, the Bangladesh arm force is to participate in the parade. The purpose is to celebrate 50 years of the anniversary of the Indo-Pak war of 1971 that has led to the creation and liberation of Bangladesh. This is the third time that our country is hosting a foreign contingent to take part in the Republic Day parade after the France troop in 2016 and UAE personnel in 2017.

India's first woman fighter pilot to be featured by IAF:

Bhawana Kanth the flight Lieutenant who was among the first three women pilot in 2019 is to be featured by the IAF tableau by mock-up of a light combat aircraft, light combat helicopter, and Sukhoi fighter jet loaded with made-in-India missiles that will portray the capabilities of Atmanirbharta of the air force.

Rafale fighters fly-past over Rajpath:

Rafale fly-past will be the prime attraction this year which will be performing 'vertical charlie' at the end of the flypast. Two Rafales, MiG-29, Sukhoi-30s, Apache, and Chinook choppers will also grab everyone's attention.

The model of Ram Mandir, UT of Ladakh, and a tableau of Covid Vaccine:

Ladakh tableau will make its debut in the parade depicting the Thikse Monastery and rich cultural heritage.

The UP tableau is going to display the model of Ram Mandir.

Department of Biotechnology will display the tableau of the Covid 19 vaccine which will portray that India is self-reliant and capable enough in fighting against the Covid Pandemic.

CRPF will display their own specialized tableau:

The Central Reserve Police Force will display their own tableau which will be panoramic four-eyed night vision goggles (NVG) which is also known as 'King of night vision'.

The troops of Andaman and Nicobar Island:

For the first time, the contingents of Andaman and Nicobar island will be marching in the parade.

What has been restricted?

• For the first time in nearly five decades, there will be no chief guest present during the Republic Day of 2021. This year United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has cancelled the trip due to the pandemic.
• No participation of Military Veterans.
• Restricted Parade Route till National Stadium, unlike other years which had been till Red fort.
• There will be no stunts of motorcycle-borne men and no parade of gallantry awardees.
• There will be limited participants and limited spectators this year.

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