New Delhi: Kerala secured third place in the state and Union Territories tableau category at this year’s Republic Day Parade, marking a strong return after a two-year absence. The tableau, themed ‘Atmanirbhar Kerala’, celebrated the state’s developmental milestones and cultural identity, officials said.

Indian Navy tops marching contingent awards

The Indian Navy was adjudged the best marching contingent among the three wings of the armed forces. Its 144-strong team marched shoulder-to-shoulder along Kartavya Path, symbolising a strong and progressive maritime force, Navy officials said on Wednesday.

Among Central Armed Police Forces and auxiliary units, the Delhi Police contingent claimed the top prize.

States and ministries: Maharashtra, Kerala, and more

In the state tableau category, Maharashtra won first place with a presentation on Ganeshotsav, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, with Kerala in third place. Maharashtra’s tableau blended tradition and modernity, featuring women dancers performing Lezim on either side of the float.

The culture ministry’s tableau, celebrating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, won the top prize in the ministries and departments category. Themed ‘Vande Mataram: The Soul-Cry of a Nation’, it highlighted Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s composition, a rare 1928 recording by Marathi artist Vishnupant Pagnis, and featured modern renditions by ‘Gen Z’.

A special prize went to the Central Public Works Department tableau, marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, and to the ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India’ dance group, officials said.

Popular choice winners

In the ‘Popular Choice’ awards, the Assam Regiment was voted best marching contingent among the services, while the CRPF topped the CAPFs category. Gujarat led states and Union Territories with its tableau on Swadeshi self-reliance, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The Department of School Education and Literacy’s tableau, themed on the National Education Policy, was chosen as the best from central ministries in the public vote.

Kerala’s return: Atmanirbhar Kerala

After a two-year hiatus, Kerala returned with a tableau celebrating ‘Atmanirbhar Kerala’, highlighting digital literacy, sustainable transport, and traditional livelihoods.

The static float depicted the Kochi Water Metro, connecting 10 islands, alongside an effigy of Saraswathi, Pullampara’s native and digital literacy ambassador, using a laptop and smartphone. Agricultural produce and spices such as jackfruit, mango, coconut, ginger, turmeric, pepper, nutmeg, cardamom and clove featured prominently, set against a green backdrop.

A folk dance accompanied the visuals, composed by Mohan Sithara with lyrics by V.R. Santhosh, sung by K.A. Sunil and choreographed by Jayaprabha Menon. The tableau was designed by Roy Joseph, creative head at J.S. Chauhan Advertising Company, based on a concept from Kerala’s Information and Public Relations Department.

Kerala last showcased a tableau in 2023, themed on women’s empowerment.