India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution in 1950. A major highlight of the nationwide celebrations is the parade in the national capital, where tableaux presented by different states and ministries are a vibrant showcase of India’s cultural richness and historical legacy. Each tableau is a moving canvas and perfectly blends traditional art forms, folklore, and heritage with several contemporary themes like digital innovation, environmental sustainability and women empowerment. Over the years, these tableaux have emerged as a powerful narrative reflecting the evolving identity of the nation. The competition remains keenly observed, with awards recognising the impactful and most creative presentations. Here’s everything you need to know about the Tableau winners from 2014 to 2025.
In 2014, a total of 18 tableaux, including five from Union Ministries/Departments, took part in the Republic Day Parade. Out of these, West Bengal bagged the best tableau honour. It depicted the popular Purulia Chhau Dance. Tamil Nadu’s tableau on the Pongal festival was adjudged the second best, followed by Assam’s tableau in third position. It was based on the contribution of folk singer, composer and writer Dr Bhupen Hazarika to Assam’s folk culture. In the Services category, Territorial Army (Sikh LI) was named the best marching contingent during the Republic Day Parade in 2014.
The tableau of Maharashtra, depicting the “Wari to Pandharpur” (the pilgrimage to Pandharpur), won in 2015 in the tableaux category, where a total of 25 tableaux took part, including nine from Union ministries or departments. It was followed by the Jharkhand tableau in second position that was based on “Maluti Temples,” while third position went to the tableau from Karnataka that was focused around the famous Channapatna Toys. Among the Services category, the Brigade of Guards Regiment and the Sikh Regiment were jointly adjudged the best marching contingents.
West Bengal bagged the first position in the tableau category in 2016 as well. This time, the state’s tableau was based on the ‘The Wandering Minstrels’ theme and depicted the famous Baul folk singers rendering the songs based on the Bhakti and Sufi movement. Tripura’s tableau on beautiful Unakoti sculptures, seen in a Shiva pilgrimage site, was named the second best, followed by Assam’s tableau showcasing the popular Rongali Bihu festival in the third position. A total of 23 tableaux, including six from the Union ministries and departments, took part in the parade. The Assam Regiment was adjudged the best marching contingent in the Services category.
Arunachal Pradesh tableau, depicting the Yak dance, one of the popular pantomimes of the Mahayana sect of Buddhist tribes of the state, was adjudged the best in 2017, while Tripura’s tableau based on ‘Hojagiri’ dance was the second best. The third position was shared between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. While the tableau of Maharashtra depicted the commemoration of the 160th birth anniversary of Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, Tamil Nadu showcased the popular folk dance ‘Karagattam’, which forms an important event in temple festival celebrations. This year, 23 tableaux took part, including six from central ministries or departments, while Madras Engineer Group was named the best marching contingent.
Tableau from Maharashtra depicting the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was awarded the best prize in 2018. In this year, 23 tableaux took part in the parade, out of which 14 were from States and Union Territories, two from the Ministry of External Affairs and the remaining from other central ministries and departments. Assam stood in the second position, depicting the traditional masks and sastras. Tableau of Chhattisgarh was given the third prize for its depiction of Ramgarh’s ancient amphitheatre, along with artistes performing dance. Punjab Regiment Contingent was named the best marching contingent.
With the theme ‘Empowering Rural Economy the Gandhian Way’, Tripura was given the best state tableau award during the Republic Day celebrations in 2019. Jammu and Kashmir bagged the second position, while the state of Punjab was placed in the third spot. A total of 16 states and Union Territories, as well as six ministries and departments, participated in the Republic Day parade at that time. Punjab came intothe spotlight as it depicted the Jallianwala Bagh incident. In 2020, Assam was adjudged the best tableau among the 16 states/union territories tableaux. It was based on the theme ‘Land of Unique Craftsmanship and Culture’. The tableaux of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh were named joint second best.
Uttar Pradesh received the award for best tableau in 2021, when a total of 32 tableaux – 17 from States and Union Territories (UTs), nine from various Ministries/Departments and Paramilitary Forces and six from the Ministry of Defence – took part in the Republic Day Parade. The state highlighted the theme Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh. The tableau of Tripura that highlighted promotion of eco-friendly tradition for achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) in socio-economic parameters was named the second best, while the third position was taken by Uttarakhand for its tableau.
For the second year in a row, the tableau of Uttar Pradesh was selected as the best among the 12 States/UTs that participated in the Republic Day Parade in 2022. It was based on the theme “One District One Product and Kashi Vishwanath Dham”. The second place went to Karnataka for its tableau on ‘Cradle of Traditional Handicrafts,’ while Meghalaya remained third for highlighting 50 years of Statehood and its tribute to women-led cooperative societies and SHGs. In the following year (2023), Uttarakhand got the top honour for its tableau on Manaskhand, while Maharashtra (Sade Tin Shaktipithe & Nari Shakti) stood second and Uttar Pradesh (Ayodhya Deepotsav) came third.
In 2024, Odisha’s tableau on “Woman Empowerment in Viksit Bharat” was adjudged the best. In the second position was Gujarat for depicting “Dhordo: A Global Icon Of Gujarat’s Border Tourism,” while Tamil Nadu rounded off the top 3 for showing the “Kudavolai System in ancient Tamil Nadu – Mother of Democracy”. Among the ministries or departments, the best tableau was given to the Ministry of Culture for its “Bharat: Mother of Democracy” theme. Rajputana Rifles Regimental Marching Contingent was announced asthe best marching contingent among the three services.
Uttar Pradesh yet again remained on top last year for its vibrant display of Mahakumbh under the “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” theme. Tripura was named the second best for showcasing the Kharchi Puja. The state’s tableau was based on “Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura”. The third position went to Andhra Pradesh for showcasing Etikoppaka Bommalu – the eco-friendly wooden toys. The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Contingent was announced as the best marching contingent among the three Services in 2025.
