Tableau to project city as cultural hub

The tableau for Delhi during the 26 January  Republic Day Parade will portray the city’s diverse culture owing to its inhabitants coming from different backgrounds and as the country’s hub for performing and fine arts, officials said. ‘Divided in two portions, the front of the tableau represents a dance form with Mudra, with a statue of a Kathak dancer and alongside is an amalgamation of traditional and modern musical instrument,’ designer Bibhuti Adhikary said. The rear portion of the tableau builds on the theme of cultural diversity. A live pop band will represent the contemporary trends and larger than life figures depict puppet art and theatre. ‘Our song has a mix of classical, folk and Sufi owing to the popularity of Sufi music which has grown tremendously in recent times,’ Zaman, guitarist of the band ‘Astitva’ said. Hence, figures depicting Sufi dancers against the backdrop of Old Fort, which of late has hosted many cultural events have found a place on the tableau as well. A total of 14 tableaux representing states will drive down Rajpath on Saturday along with five others from different ministries and two representing the Indian Navy and the Air Force.