Republic Day 2025: Punjab’s tableau this year is dedicated to Baba Sheikh Farid
PTC Web Desk: Punjab’s rich cultural heritage and agrarian legacy will be on full display at this year’s Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path in Delhi. The tableau, dedicated to the revered Sufi saint Baba Sheikh Farid, encapsulates the state’s vibrant traditions, from agriculture to the intricate art of Phulkari embroidery. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail over 21 days, the tableau has already captured hearts during its rehearsal.
Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who visited the tableau during the rehearsal, shared his admiration on social media platform X, stating, “My heart beats for Punjab. The tableau is mesmerising, and I couldn’t resist capturing its beauty.”
Dr Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, part of the team behind the tableau, revealed that it is divided into four key segments:
Agrarian legacy: The tableau’s front section symbolises Punjab’s contribution to India’s agricultural self-sufficiency. A pair of bullocks plowing the field represents the state’s pivotal role in making the country a grain-surplus nation.
Folk music: Showcasing Punjab’s globally acclaimed folk music, the second segment features traditional instruments and artists in vibrant attire, bringing alive the essence of Punjab’s musical heritage.
Phulkari and heritage: The third segment highlights a quintessential Punjabi girl embroidering Phulkari outside her home, a nod to the state’s timeless artistry and cultural roots.
Tribute to Baba Sheikh Farid: The final section honours Punjab’s first poet, Baba Sheikh Farid, whose literary contributions elevated Punjabi literature to new heights. This portion also depicts traditional handwoven durries crafted by Punjabi women, along with intricate scenes of Phulkari.
This year’s display comes after a setback in 2023, when Punjab’s tableau was excluded from the Republic Day Parade. At the time, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed disappointment and announced that the tableaux would instead be showcased across Punjab and Delhi to ensure people connect with the state’s rich heritage.
Under his directive, the tableaux were paraded in every village and locality, offering residents a glimpse of the grandeur typically reserved for the Republic Day celebrations. The initiative was designed to honour Punjab’s martyrs, including Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh, and others, whose sacrifices shaped India’s freedom struggle.
- PTC NEWS
