Rajasthan's Tableau Wins Popular Choice Award

New Delhi | Jaipur, January 30, 2026. The tableau from Rajasthan, which was part of the Republic Day parade held in New Delhi on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, has won the third prize in the Popular Choice category.

The state's Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Art, Literature and Culture, Praveen Gupta, received the award from the Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, at the Defence Institute in Mahipalpur, New Delhi, on Friday. Gujarat secured the first position and Uttar Pradesh the second in the Popular Choice category.

Joint Secretary for Art, Literature and Culture, Mrs. Anuradha Gogia, and the Secretary of the Lalit Kala Akademi, Dr. Rajneesh Harsh, were also present on the occasion.

On this occasion, Praveen Gupta stated that under the guidance of the Chief Minister of the state, Bhajanlal Sharma, and the direction of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, the Rajasthan tableau, inspired by the centuries-old Usta art of Bikaner, has written a golden chapter by winning the third prize in the Popular Choice category at the Republic Day Parade 2026. He informed that through a nationwide public poll on the MyGov platform, Gujarat secured the first position, Uttar Pradesh the second, and Rajasthan the third.

It is noteworthy that the tableau, titled "The Golden Touch of the Desert," presented by the Rajasthan Department of Art, Literature and Culture, and adorned with the golden art (Usta art) of Bikaner, captivated millions with its intricate craftsmanship, royal heritage, and cultural depth.

From the sands of Rajasthan to Kartavya Path, the artisans of Bikaner demonstrated how India's traditional arts remain the backbone of cultural pride, self-reliance, and soft power. The overwhelming public response confirms that the soul of India resides in its heritage, craftsmanship, and its people.