UP’s R-Day tableau adjudged the best

The state’s tableau – titled “Ayodhya: The Cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh” and depicting the replica of the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya – at the Republic Day parade in Delhi was adjudged the best on Thursday. Following its feat, the Uttar Pradesh government is planning to bring back the tableau from Delhi to Lucknow by road, passing through different districts for the public to catch a glimpse of it, sources said.

Uttar Pradesh information director Shishir said the trophy and certificate was received by the state from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at a function at Rashtriya Rangshala camp in New Delhi. He added that for second time in a row, Uttar Pradesh received the award for the Republic Day tableau. He added that last year the state had got the second prize, while this year it stood first. “Uttar Pradesh has created history by winning prizes for two consecutive years,” he said.

Besides the proposed Ram temple replica, the tableau displayed Valmiki composing the Ramayana along with murals on either side depicting scenes from the epic.

Sources in the government said during a meeting with officials on Thursday morning, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked them to explore the idea of bringing back the tableau by road from Delhi to the state capital to put it on display for people. However, there were reports of damage caused to the tableau after the parade.

Uttar Pradesh’s tableau was based on the theme ‘Ayodhya: Cultural Heritage of Uttar Pradesh’.

“The front part of the tableau shows Maharishi Valmiki composing the Ramayana. The middle portion features the Ram Mandir, the epitome of Ayodhya’s cultural identity associated with mass sentiments and devotion,” said a government official. “The tableau of Uttar Pradesh was recognised as the best. This prompted several spectators, including ministers, to stand and applaud,” the official added.

The theme song of the tableau was composed by singer Virendra Vatsa, in which he talked about how Uttar Pradesh depicts different ideologies, art and culture – right from Ram, Sita, Gorakhnath, Tulsi, Kabir to Bismillah Khan; and how Buddha gave his first sermon on the soil of Uttar Pradesh. The song, begins and ends with the chants of Ram.

Shishir also expressed gratitude to singer Vatsa for the theme song.