Assam Tableau set for Red Fort Exhibition on Republic-Day 2025 in New Delhi

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The Assam tableau will be featured in the main parade of Republic day in New Delhi in 2026. However, an Assam tableau will be displayed at the exhibition scheduled to be held at the Red Fort in New Delhi as part of the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025.

States and Union Territories’ tableaux in the main parade of Republic Day is selected on a rotational basis, as per the central government’s guidelines. Tableaux from the three Northeastern states of Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim will be part of the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path this year. Assam’s turn will come next year.

Kartavya Path is the new official name of Rajpath, formerly known as Kingsway, and it is a ceremonial boulevard in New Delhi, India, that runs from Rashtrapati Bhavan on Raisina Hill through Vijay Chowk and India Gate, National War Memorial  to National Stadium, Delhi. 

The theme for the Assam tableau in 2025, to be displayed at the exhibition at the Red Fort, is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development), according to sources at the Directorate of Cultural Affairs. This tableau beautifully embodies Assam’s rich cultural and historical heritage. At the forefront is the “Xorai”, a traditional bell-metal artifact that holds deep cultural significance in Assam. Crafted with exceptional skill in places like Hajo and Sarthebari, the Xorai is a symbol of respect and honour. The tableau also highlights Sattriya dance, one of India’s major classical dance forms originating from Assam. Introduced by the revered saint Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev in the 15th century, this dance is an integral part of Assam’s cultural identity. The tableau features three models of dancers performing this graceful art. Behind the Sattriya models, elements of the vibrant Bihu festival are showcased, including the Dhol, Pepa, Phulam Japi, Phulam Gamocha, and the Kopou orchid. These components represent the joy and energy of Assam’s Bihu celebrations, which have gained international recognition.

Notably, the Bihu dance holds a Guinness World Record for its grandeur and scale. At the front of the trailer, the one-horned rhinoceros is prominently displayed. This majestic animal, a symbol of Assam’s wildlife, thrives in Kaziranga National Park, which is home to over 2,500 rhinos. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Kaziranga attracts thousands of visitors annually. The tableau’s rear features the Charaideo Maidam, a unique hemispherical structure that serves as a burial site for Ahom kings, queens, and nobles. Resembling ancient pyramids, these Maidams are a significant cultural heritage site in Northeast India and have been recognized by UNESCO.

Significantly, as per the rotation policy, tableaux from Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in the northeast will participate in the main parade of Republic Day in 2026.

 This Republic Day, a total of 31 tableaux from different state governments, Union Territories, Central Government ministries, departments and organizations will take part in the main parade on Kartavya Path on January 26, 2025. Of the 31 tableaux, 16 will participate from state governments and Union Territories.

 Also Read: Guwahati: City Gears up for Republic-Day Celebrations, Preparations in Full Swing

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