The Arunachal Pradesh tableau was adjudged the best tableau in this year's Republic Day parade while Madras Engineer Group and the CISF won the first prize as top marching contingent, under different categories.
According to a Defence Ministry release, of a total 23 tableaux, including six from Union Ministries/Departments that took part in this year's Republic Day Parade, the first position was bagged by Arunachal Pradesh tableau for depicting the Yak dance.
The Yak dance is one of the most famous pantomimes of the Mahayana sect of Buddhist tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
In the category of tableaux representing Union Ministries/Departments, the first prize was given to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship which depicted the theme 'Transforming India through Skill Development', and highlighted the achievements of the Ministry and its programmes.
The tableau presented by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) depicting the concept of 'Green India-Clean India' was selected for a special prize by the jury.
Tripura's tableau based on 'Hojagiri' dance, depicting the magnificent Reang tribal dance was adjudged the second best, while the third position was shared by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
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The tableau of Maharashtra depicted the commemoration of 160th birth anniversary of the honoured freedom fighter Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak.
The Tamil Nadu tableau portrayed the popular folk dance 'Karagattam' which forms an important event in temple festival celebrations, especially in Amman temple festivals in the rural areas of Tamil Nadu.
In the competitive category of school children items, the dance presented by Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pitampura, Delhi has been adjudged the best children item for their performance to express how our National Flag has been a witness to the glorious tales of our freedom fighters, establishment of Indian democracy, the endless affection of Indians, women's empowerment and such countless achievements.
A consolation prize has also been awarded to South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur for their performance of the 'Saila Karma' dance which is a popular dance of the Gond Tribe of Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh.
As in previous years, this year also Ministry of Defence had appointed three panels of judges for assessing the participants.
Madras Engineer Group won the first prize in the services category, while the CISF was adjudged the best marching contingent under the category of Para-Military Forces and other auxiliary marching contingents.
--IANS
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