Madhya Pradesh's Grand Tableau to be Featured in Republic Day Parade 2026: Glorious Saga of Lokmata Ahilya Bai to Come Alive on Kartavya Path
To help this glorious heritage of Madhya Pradesh achieve a top position at the national level, the Ministry of Defence is organizing online voting under the 'People's Choice Award'. All residents of the state can cast their valuable vote by visiting the MyGov portal link https://www.mygov.in/node/357048/ and selecting 'Madhya Pradesh' from the list of states. The voting period is from January 26th to January 28th, 2026.
The Tableau: A Confluence of Spirituality and Development
The front of the tableau will display the familiar and affectionate image of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar, holding a Shivling in her hands. This scene symbolizes the gentleness and indomitable spiritual strength of Indian womanhood. In the middle section, she will be depicted as a skilled administrator and a valiant warrior riding a horse. The rear of the tableau will showcase the grandeur of the historical Maheshwar Ghat, temple, and fort located on the banks of the Narmada River.
Additionally, the tableau will also depict, through panels, the restoration of temples undertaken by Lokmata in various parts of the country, such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Somnath, and Jagannath Puri.
Women weaving Maheshwari sarees will be special attraction
A special attraction of the tableau will be the women weaving the world-famous 'Maheshwari sarees', representing the state's economic and cultural heritage. Folk artists accompanying the tableau will enchant the audience with their folk melodies. The parade, which will take place in the presence of European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will feature a total of 30 tableaux, with participation from 17 states and union territories.
This year, the Ministry of Defence has designated the special themes of "Mantra of Freedom - Vande Mataram" and "Mantra of Prosperity - Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India). Under these themes, the tableau from Madhya Pradesh will vividly portray the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar and her unparalleled spiritual and administrative contributions.