Maharashtra wins best tableau at Republic Day Parade 2026

Pic/PTI

Maharashtra emerged as the big winner at the Republic Day Parade 2026, clinching the Best Tableau award for its presentation titled ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta'. The results for the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux were announced by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) on Tuesday.

Maharashtra's tableau presented a blend of modernity and tradition, portraying the Ganesh festival as a symbol of self-reliance. Dressed in traditional attire, a troupe of women dancers performed Lezim, a folk dance, on either side of the tableau during the parade on the ceremonial boulevard.

Indian Navy, Delhi Police win best marching contingent awards

According to the official announcement, three separate panels of judges evaluated the performances of marching contingents and tableaux displayed at the parade held on Kartavya Path. Among the three armed services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent, while the Delhi Police topped the category for Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces.

J&K, Kerala follow Maharashtra in states' tableaux category

In the states and Union Territories category for tableaux, Maharashtra secured the top position, followed by Jammu and Kashmir for its tableau on handicrafts and folk dances of the region, and Kerala for its presentation highlighting the Water Metro project and 100 per cent digital literacy under the theme of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Ministry of Culture wins among central ministries; special prizes announced

Among central ministries and departments, the Ministry of Culture won the Best Tableau award for its depiction titled ‘Vande Mataram - The Soul Cry of a Nation'. Special prizes were also announced, with the Central Public Works Department being recognised for ‘Vande Mataram - Commemoration of 150 Years', while the dance group ‘Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India' was also honoured.

Gujarat tops Popular Choice tableaux; Assam Regiment leads contingents

The government additionally released the results of the Popular Choice category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal. In this category, the Assam Regiment was voted the best marching contingent among the three services, while the CRPF won among the CAPFs and auxiliary forces.

For Popular Choice tableaux from states and Union Territories, Gujarat topped the list with its theme on Swadeshi, self-reliance and freedom, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.