TL;DR: Between 2005 and 2026, 334 state tableaux and 109 ministry tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path as part of India’s Republic Day Parade. On average, 15 states and 9 ministries are represented every year. But representation is not evenly spread. Jammu and Kashmir alone appeared 19 times, while Puducherry appeared just once in two decades. When it comes to storytelling, states overwhelmingly focus on Culture and Heritage (28%) and State Speciality (26%), while ministries focus almost entirely on Development Work (80%).

Context

Every year on 26 January, millions of Indians watch the Republic Day Parade. It begins with a military display showcasing the discipline, equipment, and readiness of the armed forces. This is followed by the cultural parade, where states, Union Territories, and central ministries present their tableaux.

Each tableau is a moving story. It uses art, replicas, performers, lighting, and music to communicate a message about a state, a Union Territory, or a ministry. For many Indians, especially those who have never travelled across states, the tableau is often their first visual introduction to another part of the country. A child in Tamil Nadu may first hear about the Hornbill Festival through Nagaland’s tableau. Someone in Bihar may first learn about the Water Metro through Kerala’s tableau. Over time, these visual stories shape how India imagines itself.

Who Compiles This Data?

The Republic Day Parade is organised by the Ministry of Defence, which invites tableau proposals from states, Union Territories, and central ministries. An expert committee evaluates each proposal based on visual appeal, impact, theme, detailing, and local artisan involvement. The final selections are published through Press Information Bureau releases. Some of the data on Dataful for earlier years is compiled through an RTI response.

Where can I download Clean & Structured Data on Republic Day Tableaux?

Clean, structured, and ready-to-use dataset on state-wise and ministry-wise Republic Day Parade tableaux, including themes and yearly participation, can be downloaded from Dataful.

Key Insights

India showcases an average of 24 tableaux a year

Between 2005 and 2026, states contributed 334 tableaux, which works out to an average of 15 state tableaux per year. From 2015 to 2026, ministries and departments contributed 109 tableaux, or about 9 per year. Together, this means that the Republic Day Parade typically features around 24 tableaux a year.

The most represented year for states was 2007, with 18 tableaux, while 2009 and 2022 had the least, with 12 each. For ministries, 2026 recorded the highest number at 13 tableaux, while 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023 saw the lowest participation, with 6 each.

These changes show that while state participation remains fairly stable, ministry representation fluctuates much more, often reflecting shifts in policy focus and national priorities.

Culture and identity dominate state storytelling

States largely use the Republic Day Parade to express who they are, rather than what they govern.

Out of the 334 state tableaux showcased since 2005:

• 27.8% focused on Culture and Heritage

• 26.3% highlighted State Speciality

• 12.9% showcased Festivals

• 13.2% depicted Development Work

• The remaining 19.8% covered Personalities, Environment, and History

This means that more than half of all state tableaux are centred on culture, traditions, and regional identity.

Ministry tableaux tell a completely different story. Of the 99 ministry tableaux recorded, nearly 80% focused on Development Work. This creates a clear divide. States showcase identity. Ministries showcase policy.

A few states dominate the parade, many barely appear

In the last 21 years, representation across states is far from even.

• Jammu and Kashmir appeared 19 times, the highest in the country.

• Karnataka followed with 18 appearances.

• Assam, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra appeared 16 times each.

At the other end of the spectrum:

• Puducherry appeared only once

• Lakshadweep, Nagaland, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu appeared only twice each

Only four states showcased every type of theme

Most states repeat a narrow set of narratives. Only four states managed to send tableaux across all seven theme categories: Assam, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Many others focus on just two or three themes. For instance:

• Rajasthan’s tableaux are largely cultural,

• Punjab frequently highlights personalities and historical figures,

• Uttarakhand repeatedly focuses on environmental themes.

This pattern suggests that once a theme resonates, states tend to stick with a familiar identity.

Recent years signal a shift towards development

The 2026 tableaux clearly reflect a policy-oriented shift.

Among states:

• Kerala showcased its Water Metro and digital literacy mission,

• Manipur highlighted the journey from agriculture to global markets,

• Tamil Nadu promoted self-reliance.

Ministry tableaux in the same year focused on education reform, disaster resilience, criminal law, defence coordination, energy, and skill development. Only a few referenced history, mainly through themes linked to Vande Mataram and the Bhuj earthquake anniversary.

This signals that the parade is increasingly being used not just as a cultural stage, but also as a platform for governance and national messaging.

Why Does It Matter? 

Republic Day tableaux are not just decorations. They are visual statements and cultural narratives. They influence tourism, investment, and how citizens understand different regions. When some states appear repeatedly, and others are rarely seen, it shapes whose stories feel national and whose remain invisible.

The data highlights three truths:

• Representation is uneven.

• Cultural identity still dominates state narratives.

• Development dominates ministry messaging.

As debates continue about fair rotation and transparency, these numbers remind us that the parade is not just about celebration, but also about who gets seen and who does not.

Key Numbers (2005 to 2026*)

Data for Ministry wise tableaux is available since 2015 only

• State tableaux: 334

• Ministry tableaux: 109

• Most common state theme: Culture and Heritage (27.8%)

• Most common ministry theme: Development Work (79.8%)

• Most represented: Jammu and Kashmir (19), Karnataka (18)

• Least represented: Puducherry (1), Lakshadweep (2), Nagaland (2), Dadar and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (2)