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Culture Ministry's Vande Mataram Tableau Wins Top Republic Day 2026 Prize

The Ministry of Culture's tableau, "Vande Mataram - 150 Years Journey," secured the First Prize for Best Tableau among Central Ministries at the Republic Day 2026 parade. Its accompanying grand cultural presentation, "Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of Bharat," also received a Special Prize for exceptional artistic and thematic excellence. The presentation, curated by Sangeet Natak Akademi, involved 2,500 artists from all states and union territories. It traced the song's role from national awakening through the freedom struggle to modern national identity.

Key Points: Vande Mataram Tableau Wins Top Prize at Republic Day Parade 2026

  • Wins First Prize for Best Tableau
  • Wins Special Prize for artistic excellence
  • Traces 150-year journey of national song
  • Featured 2,500 artists nationwide
  • Collaboration of Sangeet Natak Akademi
2 min read

Ministry of Culture tableau wins first prize at Republic Day 2026 parade

Ministry of Culture's tableau on 150-year journey of Vande Mataram wins First Prize and Special Prize at Republic Day 2026 for artistic excellence.

"powerfully depicted the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram - Ministry of Culture"

New Delhi, January 31

The Ministry of Culture achieved a significant double honour at the Republic Day Parade 2026, with its tableau titled "Vande Mataram - 150 Years Journey" being awarded the First Prize in the category of Best Tableau among Central Ministries and Departments.

Its grand cultural presentation, "Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of Bharat", was conferred the Special Prize for its exceptional artistic and thematic excellence.

According to the Ministry of Culture, the tableau powerfully depicted the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram, tracing its emergence as a song of national awakening and its enduring role in shaping India's freedom struggle, unity and civilisational consciousness.

Through evocative visuals and symbolism, the tableau underscored the timeless relevance of the National Song to India's collective identity.

The Special Prize-winning cultural dance presentation, "Vande Mataram - The Eternal Resonance of Bharat", was curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala.

The presentation honours Rashtrarishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's immortal composition that became the voice of India's freedom movement. The performance brought together 2,500 artists from across all States and Union Territories, showcasing India's vast cultural diversity through classical, folk and tribal art forms.

As per the Ministry of Culture, the choreography unfolded Bharat's timeless journey from its spiritual and cultural roots, through the sacrifices of freedom fighters, to the valour and dedication of the armed forces. Interwoven with Sanskrit mantras, evocative music and dynamic formations, the presentation captured the complete emotional and philosophical arc of Vande Mataram, culminating in a powerful homage to the Tiranga, symbolising unity, devotion and national pride.

The cultural presentation was led by Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, as the Overall Creative Director. Music direction was done by Oscar-winning composer MM Keeravani, with additional lyrics by Subhas Sehgal. The voice-over was delivered by National Award-winning actor Anupam Kher, choreography by Santosh Nair, and costume design by Sandhya Raman.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Heartiest congratulations to the entire team! MM Keeravani's music direction and Anupam Kher's voice-over must have added so much depth. It's wonderful to see our cultural roots and freedom struggle depicted with such scale and reverence on Republic Day.
R
Rohit P
While the win is deserved, I do hope such large budgets for tableaux also translate into sustained funding for the folk and tribal artists throughout the year. Their art forms are our living heritage and need constant support, not just for a one-day show.
S
Sarah B
As someone who watched the parade on TV, the tableau was visually stunning. The scale of coordination for that many performers is mind-boggling. A fitting tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and the song that united a nation.
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Vikram M
Brilliant! This is what Republic Day is all about - celebrating our history, culture, and the sacrifices that made this nation. The inclusion of Sanskrit mantras and diverse art forms shows the depth of our civilization. Kudos to Sandhya Purecha and the entire crew!
K
Kavya N
So proud! 🎉 My cousin was one of the dancers from the North-East contingent. She said the energy on Rajpath was electric. It's moments like these that fill every Indian's heart with immense pride. Well done, Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi!

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