Rajasthan Tableau Wins Third Prize In Popular Choice At Republic Day Parade 2026

"Golden Touch of the Desert” Tableau Wins Popular Acclaim

The Rajasthan tableau showcased during the 77th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi secured the third prize in the Popular Choice category. The award was presented by Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, and received by Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism, Art, Literature and Culture, Government of Rajasthan, at a ceremony held on January 30 at the Defence establishment in Mahipalpur, New Delhi. 

Gujarat won first place, followed by Uttar Pradesh in second. The event was also attended by Anuradha Gogiya, Joint Secretary of Art, Literature and Culture, and Rajneesh Harsh, Secretary of Lalit Kala Akademi.

Speaking on the achievement, ACS Praveen Gupta said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, the Rajasthan tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2026 created a golden milestone by winning the Popular Choice Third Prize. The tableau was inspired by the centuries-old Usta art of Bikaner, a traditional gold embossing craft renowned for its finesse and royal legacy.

He informed that the rankings were decided through a nationwide public voting process conducted on the MyGov platform, in which Gujarat secured first position, Uttar Pradesh second and Rajasthan third.

Presented under the theme “Golden Touch of the Desert”, the Rajasthan tableau, designed by the Department of Art, Literature and Culture, showcased the exquisite Usta gold art of Bikaner. Its intricate craftsmanship, royal heritage and cultural depth captivated millions of spectators during the parade.

From the sands of Rajasthan to Kartavya Path, the artisans of Bikaner demonstrated how India’s traditional arts continue to form the backbone of cultural pride, self-reliance and soft power. The overwhelming public response reaffirmed that the soul of India resides in its heritage, craftsmanship and people.