Bhopal, Jan 22 (NationPress) The tableau from Madhya Pradesh for the forthcoming Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 26 is set to honor the legendary 18th-century queen of the Holkar dynasty, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. Renowned for her exemplary governance, social reforms, and contributions to culture and religion, she remains an enduring symbol of integrity and leadership.

Madhya Pradesh is preparing to unveil a magnificent tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2026, celebrating 'Punyashlok' Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. This tableau will emphasize her legacy of good governance, self-reliance, patriotism, women's empowerment, and cultural preservation, as stated by the Madhya Pradesh Public Relations Department on Thursday.

Details shared by the Public Relations Department indicate that the front section will prominently feature a revered image of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar holding a sacred Shivling, seated gracefully atop a lotus.

The representation symbolizes the tranquility, honor, and spiritual might of India's maternal essence.

The central focus will depict Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar alongside her ministers and soldiers, demonstrating her just rule and efficient administration.

The lower panel will showcase the restoration and construction of temples initiated during her reign by the Holkar dynasty, featuring a vigilant soldier, representing the safeguarding of faith and culture.

The concluding section will highlight the historic Maheshwar ghats, temples, and fort, which served as the capital of Ahilyabai Holkar's kingdom, exemplifying her administrative brilliance.

Below, the sacred Narmada River flows, with serene depictions of ghats and boats.

At the rear, temple spires erected by Ahilyabai Holkar rise majestically above the Maheshwar ghats.

Murals beneath will illustrate women engaged in weaving the famous Maheshwari sarees under her guidance—an enduring testament to women's empowerment, dignity in labor, and the promotion of indigenous crafts during her era. Traditional folk artists will perform alongside the tableau, infusing it with color, rhythm, and cultural vibrancy, making it a fitting homage to the timeless legacy of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, as per the state's Public Relations Department.

Born on May 31, 1725, in a Maratha Hindu family in the village of Chaundi in Maharashtra's Ahilyanagar district, Devi Ahilyabai Holkar married Khanderao Holkar, the son of Malhar Rao Holkar, the founder of the Holkar dynasty. Following Khanderao's death in 1754, she ascended as the revered queen of Malwa in Madhya Pradesh.

She is particularly celebrated for her contributions to the Hindu religion through the restoration and construction of temples, ghats, and other religious structures, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Somnath Temple in Gujarat.

Notably, in 2025, Madhya Pradesh's tableau presented the theme 'Cheetah -- The Pride of India', highlighting the successful reintroduction of cheetahs in Kuno National Park, showcasing depictions of cheetahs, cubs, forest habitats, and 'Cheetah Mitras' training locals.