India's rich cultural diversity unfolded on a rain-soaked Rajpath during the 66th Republic Day celebrations on Monday. Amid the majestic show of Army contingents and grandeur of 'Nari Shakti', 16 tableaux stole the show at the grand Rajpath. While Jammu & Kashmir showcased its folk dance, the newly-constituted Telangana State dived into the spirit of Bonalu festival.
From Karnataka's Channapatna toys, the traditional art of toymaking came alive in the tableau, to Andhra Pradesh's Sankranti Sambaraalu represented the vivid diversity of India was full on display. Sankranti Sambraalu festival begins with Bhogi, which people celebrate with bonfire and traditional 'rangolis' marking the beginning of harvest season in South India. Sixteen States showcased the image of ethnicity.
Karnataka's was the first float to roll out on the majestic Rajpath displaying the colourful Channapatna wooden toys, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh showcased Bhagoria, festival of love and matchmaking, Uttarakhand showcased the Kedarnath Temple, Jharkhand its terracotta temples in Maluti, Sikkim its cardamom cultivation and Chhattisgarh the Dussehra festival of Bastar.
Incredible Majauli was the theme of the Assam float. The island is enriched by the vibrant and the multi-coloured culture of its ethnic inhabitants belonging to Mising, Deori and Sonowal Kachari communities. Uttar Pradesh's tableau featured on Wajid Ali Shah, the 10th and last Nawab of Awadh province that is the Uttar Pradesh of present time. It displayed the theme of communal harmony.
Gujarat presented the tableau on the theme of Statue of Unity-Sardar Sarovar project. It relates to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to build a giant statue of country's first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the State. Igu dance or dance of the priest of the Idu Mishmi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is a unique ritual dance. The dance was the theme of the float from Arunachal Pradesh.
Haryana made its presence through its Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, famous for hosting migratory birds from Europe, Siberia and central Asia. Maharashtra presented the 'Wari (pilgrimage) to Pandharpur' as its theme while Goa showcased the industry of fishing.