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Assam's Terracotta Tableau Leads Republic Day Parade, Celebrates Artisan Heritage

Assam's Republic Day tableau, themed on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, proudly led the parade at Kartavya Path. It celebrated Asharikandi village, India's largest cluster of traditional Assamese terracotta artisans, showcasing over a century of preserved clay craftsmanship. The display featured a large terracotta doll, bamboo fencing, and a Moyurponkhi boat, highlighting the state's artistic and riverine identity. Accompanied by singing artisans, the tableau symbolized the community's heritage-driven journey toward global recognition and self-reliance.

Key Points: Assam's Republic Day Tableau Showcases Asharikandi Terracotta Art

  • Tableau led the parade procession
  • Featured Asharikandi terracotta artisans
  • Symbolized bamboo heritage and riverine identity
  • Highlighted community's journey to self-reliance
2 min read

"Moment that celebrates Assam's rich culture": CM Himanta Biswa Sarma lauds state's Republic Day tableau

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma lauds Assam's tableau featuring Asharikandi's terracotta craft, highlighting cultural heritage and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

"A moment that celebrates Assam's rich culture, Asharikandi heritage and its place at the forefront of Bharat's growth story. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Guwahati, January 26

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday lauded the state's tableau in the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path, calling it a moment of the state's "rich culture."

"A for Assam at Kartavya Path! From coming last to leading first, our tableau proudly led the procession this Republic Day. A moment that celebrates Assam's rich culture, Asharikandi heritage and its place at the forefront of Bharat's growth story," the Assam Chief Minister wrote on X.

The Assam tableau at Kartavya Path, themed Aatmanirbhar Bharat, celebrated Asharikandi village in Dhubri district, which is India's largest cluster of traditional Assamese terracotta artisans. For more than a century, generations of artisan families here have preserved the timeless art of clay craftsmanship, reflecting refined aesthetics and deep cultural meaning while sustaining livelihoods through indigenous skill.

At the front of the tableau stood an imposing terracotta doll holding earthen lamps arranged in a circular pattern, forming a powerful visual centrepiece. The tractor portion was adorned with bamboo fencing, symbolising Assam's rich bamboo heritage and its important role in the state's rural economy and sustainable development.

The trailer was designed as a graceful Moyurponkhi boat, showcasing Assam's riverine identity. Artisans were shown shaping Hiramati (clay) into divine figures of gods and goddesses, highlighting the creative process and spiritual essence of the craft.

A traditional Pall (sail canvas) at the rear added to the authenticity of the boat and recalled the historic waterways that nurtured Assam's culture and trade.

Accompanying the tableau were women artisans dressed in traditional Mekhela-Chador, moving rhythmically and singing verses that express pride in their soil and creations. Their song depicted a community whose heritage-driven craftsmanship is gaining global recognition, symbolising the onward journey of Asharikandi towards self-reliance.

Republic Day marks a defining milestone in India's national journey. It marks the day the Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, formally establishing the country as a Sovereign Democratic Republic.

While independence on August 15, 1947, ended colonial rule, it was the adoption of the Constitution that completed India's transition to self-governance based on law, institutional accountability, and the will of the Indians.

President Droupadi Murmu presided over the grand celebrations on Kartavya Path in New Delhi. The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, attended as the Chief Guests on this momentous occasion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Leading the procession this year is a huge achievement for Assam. The detailing with the bamboo fencing and the Moyurponkhi boat is incredible. It's high time the rich crafts of the Northeast get this kind of national platform. Well done!
A
Aman W
While the tableau is stunning, I hope this visibility translates into real, sustained support for the artisans. They need better market access and fair prices, not just a one-day parade. The government must ensure this exposure leads to Aatmanirbhar in a true sense.
S
Sarah B
The symbolism is so powerful. From the terracotta holding lamps (light of knowledge) to the river boat – it tells a complete story of Assam's land and people. Republic Day is about celebrating this incredible diversity that makes India.
K
Karthik V
As someone from the South, I learned something new today about Asharikandi's terracotta cluster. This is exactly what Republic Day should do – educate us about the hidden gems of each state. The women in Mekhela-Chador must have been a graceful sight!
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Nisha Z
Heartwarming to see traditional crafts getting their due respect. My grandmother used to have similar terracotta dolls from Assam. It's not just art, it's the livelihood of so many families. May their skill shine even brighter ✨

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