Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir tableau secured an impressive second position at the national level at the Republic Day Parade 2026, marking a proud moment for the Union Territory and reaffirming its cultural presence on one of the country’s most prestigious platforms.
The recognition highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, artistic excellence, and vibrant traditions showcased during the parade held on Kartavya Path as part of the Republic Day Parade.
The tableau, themed as a “living canvas”, presented a visually immersive narrative celebrating centuries-old arts, handicrafts, and folk traditions of the region. It seamlessly blended craftsmanship, performance, and storytelling to reflect the timeless creative spirit of the Union Territory.
Iconic handicrafts synonymous with Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural identity formed the core of the presentation, including Pashmina weaving, walnut wood carving, carpet weaving, papier-mâché, copperware, and Basohli miniature paintings. Each element represented generations of refined skill and artistic mastery.
The visual journey opened with a grand engraved Samovar, symbolising Kashmiri hospitality, followed by depictions of traditional wooden architecture and houseboats that evoked the region’s distinctive cultural landscape. At the centre of the tableau, a Dogra Chhajja performance staged on a traditional village Thadda highlighted community life, social harmony, and cultural continuity.
Vibrant folk dance forms such as Rouf, Kud, Jagarna, Pahari, Gojri, and Dumhal added rhythm and colour, reflecting the diverse ethnic and cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. The tableau concluded with a striking display of colourful papier-mâché artefacts arranged in a willow basket, symbolically presenting the Union Territory as a dynamic and evolving canvas of art and tradition.
The award-winning presentation marked a major comeback for the Jammu and Kashmir tableau at the Republic Day Parade, underscoring the region’s renewed cultural assertion on the national stage and its commitment to preserving and promoting intangible heritage.
The idea, design, and conceptualisation of the tableau were led by Balwant Thakur, a Padma Shri and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient. A former Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Thakur has also served as Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and headed Indian Cultural Centres in South Africa and Mauritius.
The national recognition stands as a testament to Jammu and Kashmir’s artistic vibrancy, cultural resilience, and enduring legacy of creativity that continues to inspire audiences across the country.
