Telangana Tableau Not Part of R-Day Parade for 2nd Consecutive Year
Centre cites three-year rotation policy as Telangana misses Republic Day tableau slot for second year
Hyderabad: Telangana’s tableau will not feature in the 77th Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path on January 26, marking the second consecutive year that the state has been excluded from the main event. The Centre has cleared 30 tableaux for this year’s celebrations, including 17 from states and Union territories and 13 from various ministries and departments of the Central government.
The state last presented its tableau in 2024, when it showcased the valour and sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters such as Komaram Bheem, Ramji Gond, and Chakali Ilamma. Sources said the Centre cited a rotation policy under which a state is given an opportunity to participate in the parade once in three years. Since Telangana was allotted a slot in 2024, its proposal would be eligible for consideration only in 2027.
Despite the State government's effort to secure a place in the main parade this year, the proposal was turned down. The decision has once again sparked disappointment, particularly as Telangana had hoped to present a tableau reflecting its cultural heritage and developmental strides.
Last year too, after being denied a place in the parade, Telangana was allotted a prominent platform at the Red Fort during the Bharat Parv Festival. Its tableau and pavilion attracted considerable attention, highlighting iconic symbols of the State’s cultural legacy, including the Ramappa temple, a Unesco heritage site, and the historic contributions of the Kakatiya dynasty. Alongside this, Telangana had set up a pavilion under the theme “Telangana Rising” to showcase its development and welfare initiatives. The pavilion focused on skill development and employment-oriented programmes such as the establishment of advanced training centres and the Young India Skills University, projecting the State’s efforts to prepare its youth for future opportunities.
This year, however, the Telangana government has decided not to participate in the Bharat Parv Festival. Official sources said the state was keen on showcasing its tableau only in the Republic Day Parade and did not want an alternative arrangement.
Since the formation of Telangana in June 2014, the state has had a place in the Republic Day Parade four times: in 2015, 2020, and 2024. In its first-ever presentation after bifurcation, the tableau showcased the Bonalu festival. In 2020, it highlighted the floral splendour and cultural significance of the Bathukamma festival. The 2024 tableau paid tribute to the sacrifices of tribal freedom fighters, underlining Telangana’s distinct historical narrative.