While several tableaus in the 2023 Republic Day Parade have caught the attention of the public for its celebration of Hindu heritage. Maharashtra’s tableau, in particular, is a celebration of not just Narishakti (this year’s theme) but also a tribute to the state’s folk and temple tradition.
The float showcased the Sadeteen Shaktipeethas of Kolhapur’s Devi Amba, Mahur’s Mata Renuka Devi, Vani’s Saptashringi Devi, and Tuljapur’s Bhavani Mata. The float was accompanied by folk artists performing the Gondhal.
Shri Kaushal Inamdar composed the music for the cultural float.
There were also comparisons with last year’s float under the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA (Maha Vikas Aghadi) government.
This year several tableaus celebrated Hindu heritage with pride. Uttar Pradesh’s float depicted the three-day Deepotsav celebrated in Ayodhya.
The Jammu and Kashmir float featured Baba Amarnath shrine, tulip gardens and lavender cultivation. It was themed on Naya J&K.
Birsa Munda and Deoghar’s Baba Baidyanath Mandir were featured in Jharkhand’s float.
Assam and Uttarakhand float featured Devi Kamakhya and Jageshwar Dham respectively. The celebration of Bharat’s indigenous Hindu culture with pride is an indication of the renaissance of Hindu consciousness.
Your last statement says it all. Indeed, a parade that was true to our Hindu soul as a nation. Far cry from times when tableaus were devoted to tyrants and Hindu haters like Tipu.