Republic Day tableau to integrate Gandhi with Tripura

Agartala: Tripura's tableau in the central celebration of India's 70th Republic Day on January 26 next will showcases the egalitarian, inclusive and diverse social and ethnic culture linked to the Gandhian principles besides splendid attraction of tourism and heritage.

Tripura is one of the 16 states of the country including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim of Northeast, which will take part in the Republic Day parade on Delhi Rajpath. A 10 member team of artists of Tripura along with the professional tableau experts have been working round the clock in Defence Colony for past two weeks for the mission.

Officials said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the preparatory meeting of Republic Day celebration in October last year with the Chief Ministers of the states advised to integrate their respective themes with the Gandhian thought of development to commemorate 150th birth anniversary of father of the nation.

"All 33 states and Union Territories have presented their theme for Republic Day parade but 16 including five states of Northeast were selected. But finally Manipur despite being selected declined to take part in the parade because of paucity of time. As a result, Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim of Northeast would be taken part in the historic celebration in presence of foreign delegates," the officials stated.  

The front portion of tableau depicts the Gandhiji's Charka on the bamboo made structure in top of Tripura's attraction Neermahal, the only water palace of eastern India - the summer residence of royal family. This has been inspired by the Gandhian concept of self sufficiency of the rural economy which supports the families' livelihood, the official stated.

Along with this, the tableau showcased the scenic and natural beauty of Tripura Sundari temple, dome shaped miners of the palace have attributed a fort like look to the mansion besides, depiction of rich bio and cultural diversity. The form of folk dances of Tripuri tribes has also been including in the tableau.

Being inspired by the Gandhian thoughts of empowerment of women who are celebrating their own festivals and enjoy the festivity of others too has also got space in the depiction. Major festivals of Tripura have been acting as the bridge to fill the cultural gap whatsoever. In this way these dances have lavishly contributed to the national cultural texture also thereby ensuring peaceful coexistence of all as per the Gandhian philosophy.

The rear portion depicts the stone carved sculpture of Unokoti, the archaeological wonder of 7th century.(UNI)