The Republic Day Parade 2025 celebrated India's rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions, culminating with the announcement of the Tableau Awards, which recognize the best performances by states and central ministries. The awards, revealed on January 29, 2025, spotlighted Uttar Pradesh as the leading tableau for its captivating depiction of the Mahakumbh festival, showcased during the 76th Republic Day celebrations held just days prior on January 26.
Uttar Pradesh's tableau, themed around the 'Ongoing Mahakumbh', stood out among many impressive displays from various states. It was adjudged the best tableau, illustrating the grandeur and cultural significance of this massive religious gathering. Following closely was Tripura's tableau, which focused on the 'Eternal Reverence: The Worship of 14 Deities during Kharchi Puja' and garnered second place.
Another notable mention was Andhra Pradesh's tableau on 'Etikoppaka Bommalu - Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys', which earned admiration for its environmental message and craftsmanship.
Among the central ministries and departments, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs shone brightly with its tableau titled 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh.' This recognition highlighted the ministry's efforts to honor the tribal communities and their contributions to India's diverse culture. The Ministry of Women and Child Development also earned accolades for its tableau, underscoring 'The Multifaceted Journey of Women and Children Nurtured Under the Ministry’s Comprehensive Schemes.' This tableau portrayed the various initiatives supporting the welfare and empowerment of women and children.
The parade also included competitive marching contingents, with the Jammu & Kashmir Rifles crowned as the best among the services. The Delhi Police Marching Contingent triumphed as the best among the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and auxiliary forces. These awards reflect the dedication and discipline of the marching cells, as they showcased their precision and spirited performances during the Republic Day homage.
To promote engagement with citizens, the Ministry of Defence enabled public participation through online polling conducted on the MyGov portal. This initiative allowed citizens to vote for their preferred marching contingents and tableaux from January 26 to January 28, 2025. The Signals Contingent was awarded the title of best marching contingent among the Services based on public votes, highlighting the enthusiasm and support from the populace.
Special awards were also distributed this year; the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) received one for its tableau celebrating '75 Years of the Constitution of India', showcasing the enduring legacy of democracy through artistic representation. Another special accolade was awarded to the 'Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam' Dance Group for their captivating performance during the parade, adding vibrant cultural flavor to the celebrations.
The tableau awards not only celebrated artistic expressions but also served as a reminder of India's unity and diversity, as depicted through the colorful displays from various states and ministries. The Republic Day Parade continues to inspire pride among citizens, nurturing appreciation for the country’s cultural assets amid its varied communities.