‘Manaskhand’, the tableau showcasing the famous Jageshwar temple of Kumaon and depicting the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand has been selected as the best tableau of this year’s Republic Day parade. Incidentally the tableau from the State won the first prize in the first Republic day parade held on the Kartavya Path.
Expressing happiness the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that it is a moment of great pride for the State. He said that in the Puranas, Garhwal region is called Kedarkhand while Kumaon is called Manaskhand. It is pertinent to mention here that the subject matter of the Tableau and the name Manaskhand was suggested by CM Dhami himself.

He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always said that we should be proud of our cultural heritage. Dhami said that the Uttarakhand government is also working on cultural awakening and the Manaskhand Mandir Mala mission is part of this plan. Under this mission the ancient temples of Kumaon are being developed on the lines of the Char Dhams.

 Dhami had visited the place in Delhi Cantt where the tableau was being made ahead of the Republic Day parade and had given necessary orders to the Joint director information and nodal officer KS Chauhan.

 The work on the tableau of Uttarakhand started on December 32. Chauhan said that the tableau depicted Jageshwar Dham and also showcased Corbett National Park, swamp deer, state animal Musk deer and Goral, the peacock, monal and other birds. The tableau also showcased the Aipan art form. Since Jageshwar temple is situated amidst a dense canopy of Deodar trees, it was also depicted in the tableau. A troupe of dancers led by Bhim Ram of Pithoragarh performed Choliya dance with the tableau while Baru Singh and Anil Singh performed Yoga on the tableau.