Only Tripura Tableau from the Northeast to Feature at Republic Day Parade
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The only tableau from the northeastern states to be presented during the Republic Day parade is that of Tripura, showcasing the cultural diversity of India through the celebration of ‘Kharchi Puja’, which includes a display of 14 Hindu deities.
Key Takeaways
- Only Tripura tableau from NE to be displayed.
- Theme: Cultural diversity of India.
- Focus on traditional ‘Kharchi Puja’ and 14 deities.
- Tableau symbolizes blend of tradition and modernity.
- Celebration involves participation from various communities.
New Delhi/Agartala, Jan 23 (NationPress) From the eight northeastern states, only the Tripura tableau will be showcased this year during the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path in New Delhi, officials announced on Thursday.
A senior official from the Tripura government stated that a total of 26 tableaus will be presented, with the theme of the Tripura tableau revolving around India's cultural diversity.
In line with this theme, the traditional ‘Kharchi Puja’ along with its rituals, which involve the worship of 14 deities and their significance, will be highlighted in the Tripura tableau.
The century-old ‘Kharchi Puja’ takes place in June-July in the historic capital of the erstwhile princely state, Puran Habeli (now known as Khayerpur), located 8 km north of Agartala.
Annually, thousands from different parts of the country and neighboring Bangladesh join in the vibrant ‘Kharchi Puja’, celebrated with traditional fervor and rituals.
This annual festival serves the purpose of cleansing the sins of mortal souls.
Initially a celebration for Hindu tribals, the Puja is now embraced by all communities and religions. The festival features colorful marquees, illuminated displays, and religious rites accompanied by the chanting of ‘mantras’ amidst drum beats, showcasing the 14 deities: Shiva, Durga, Vishnu, Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, Ganesha, Brahma, Abadhi (God of water), Chandra, Ganga, Agni, Kamdev, and Himadri (Himalaya).
Traditionally, the week-long festival kicks off in June-July with a vibrant procession, featuring the Tripura police music band. All deities and priests are escorted by personnel from the Tripura Police, who also provide a guard of honor to the Chief Royal Priest -- Raj Chantaia.
The official mentioned that three main elements are emphasized in the proposed tableau. Firstly, it will reflect a fusion of tradition and modernity, symbolizing progress through bamboo designs and frames, technological applications, and models dressed in traditional attire.
Secondly, the tableau will depict the 14 deities through exquisite bamboo and cane craftsmanship. Thirdly, the tableau will also include the worship of Ha-Buma (earth mother) and present cultural displays.
Furthermore, there will be an artistic presentation of designs made from bamboo and flowers, blended with modern artistic elements. Additionally, the priest will be seen performing rituals in traditional attire.
Simultaneously, the tableau will express the ancient spirituality of Tripura.
The official stated that the total of 26 tableaus in the Republic Day parade will serve as a platform for cultural expression by both the central government and state governments.
Tableaus will represent various departments and ministries including the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Earth Science, Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Culture, Financial Services department, and CPWD. Among the states, tableaus from Goa, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, Karnataka, Dadra, Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Delhi, West Bengal, and Chandigarh will be featured on Kartavya Path in New Delhi on January 26.
