The entire selection process of Republic Day tableaux is under the supervision of the Defense Ministry.

India's Republic Day is not just a national festival but also a grand medium to show the world India's unity, cultural heritage, technological progress and democratic tradition. Every year on 26 January, the tableaux of various state and central ministries and departments across the country are the main attraction in the parade held on the Dutva Path (formerly Rajpath). These include many colours, cultures, folk traditions, historical events and modern achievements.

Many times this question arises in the minds of people that why do only a few states and departments get a place in so many tableaux? Under what rules is the selection done? How much time does it take for a tableau to get approval and how is the winning tableau decided? Let us understand the answers to all these questions in a simple and sequential manner on the occasion of the country's 77th Republic Day.

Who selects the floats?

The entire selection process of Republic Day tableaux is under the supervision of the Defense Ministry. The ministry forms a high-level screening committee which includes art and design experts, experts in culture and history, national level artists, technical evaluation experts, senior administrative officials etc. This committee evaluates the designs proposed by state governments and central departments.

The Tableau approval process is lengthy and phased.

Why is the number of states and departments limited?

India is a very big country. At present there are a total of 28 states and eight union territories in the country. If the government decides to include everyone's tableaux, then the space allotted for the Republic Day parade will be less and the time will certainly be less, that is why it is kept limited.

The Republic Day parade lasts for about two and a half hours in which apart from the tableaux, Army, Air Force, Navy contingents, para-military squads, bands, motorcycle stunts, school children, fly-past are also included. Therefore, every year out of 5060 proposals, only about 17 states and 12-15 ministries and departments get a place.

What is the process of approving a tableau?

This process of tableau approval is long, step-by-step and very technical. The main steps are as follows.

• Initial Concept: Every year in September-October, states and departments have to send their concept notes and sketches based on the theme. The proposal includes the theme, its national importance, preliminary design/sketch, technical layout, details of both moving and stationary parts, etc.
• First Screening: After receiving the proposals, the screening committee evaluates the proposed designs. It is seen how relevant the theme is, whether it matches the theme of the parade, whether it represents national unity and culture, whether the design is technically feasible, after the first screening usually around 3035 proposals are selected.
• Model Presentation (3D Model): In the second phase, selected states and departments have to make and present 3D models. The model has to show accurate colors, sizes, shapes and mechanical arrangements.
• Suggestions for Modifications: The committee often suggests improvements in some models. Sometimes colors are changed, shapes of sculptures are changed, designs are simplified, technical flaws are corrected.
• Final Selection: After several rounds of meetings and evaluation, the final list is released which contains the names of the states and departments whose tableaux can be included in the parade.
• Rehearsal and Final Approval: Mechanical trials, movement tests, safety tests, speed tests on the parade route etc. of the selected tableaux are conducted in this final stage. If everything is fine then final approval is given.

The Ministry of Power will present its grand tableau titled Prakash Ganga: Powering an Aatmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat at the Republic Day Parade on 26th Jan 2026, showcasing India's transformative journey in the power sector and its leadership in clean and sustainable energy. pic.twitter.com/Y9I57xeH3o

— Ministry of Power (@MinOfPower) January 23, 2026

How are tableaux made?

After getting the approval of the committee, artists, sculptors, engineers and designers of the state or department together prepare the tableau. Its main elements are trailer/chassis, painting, sculptures made of fiber and plaster of paris, moving parts (mechanical), lighting and sound, decoration etc. Construction often lasts for 4560 days. For this, China from Delhi Cantt or any other area of ​​the national capital can also be used.

fixed rules for tableau

Tableaus have to follow some important rules. These rules are as follows. Religious propaganda is not allowed in this. Promotion of political persons is prohibited. The statue/picture of a living leader cannot be placed in the tableau. Accurate historicity is an essential part. It is important to use eco-friendly materials in the design. There is a rule to keep the size and height within prescribed limits. Safety and fire compliance is necessary and mandatory. Adherence to communal harmony is also one of the essential conditions of any tableau.

From Tradition to Technology: Ayush Republic Day Tableau Set to Showcase India's Holistic Health Vision

The narrative progresses to India's emergence as a digitally empowered wellness leader, with visual elements highlighting NAM's technology-driven platforms that expand pic.twitter.com/HiE9g7hZNZ

— PIB India (@PIB_India) January 23, 2026

How is the winning tableau selected?

The best tableau in the Republic Day Parade is also selected by a high level jury. Some criteria are fixed for this.

• Relevance of the topic: Does the theme match the national theme and does it convey a message to the public?
• Creativity and Artistry: Balance of colours, beauty of shapes, use of folk art, standard of handicraft etc.
• Technical Feature: Smooth movement of moving parts, lighting effects, quality of mechanical design.
• Overall presentation: Music, costumes, performance—the harmony of it all.
• Originality: How unique is the design and does it convey the unique identity of the state/department.

What are the winning categories?

Awards are given in the following categories.

• Tableau of the best states, union territories
• Tableau of the best ministry, department
• Special Mention
• Popularity based awards (sometimes online voting)

The awards are given after Republic Day and the winning tableaux are often sent for exhibition in different cities of India.

1952 :: Tractor In Republic Day Parade, Tableau Depicting Village Life pic.twitter.com/ZE7t7m3xPJ

— indianhistorypics (@IndiaHistorypic) January 26, 2024

Some important things for Republic Day and tableaus

The Central Government has made rules in this regard. Not all states get a chance every year. This selection is completely merit based. No state or department can ensure space. The selection process is not affected by political pressure because the evaluation is done by experts. Any tableau can be rejected if it does not follow the rules.

Why are tableaux so important?

The tableaux are a living reflection of India's multilingual, multi-religious, multicultural heritage. These attract tourists, branding of states takes place, local arts and crafts get recognized internationally and cultural awareness increases among the youth.

The tableaux of the Republic Day Parade are not just decorative trailers, but they give the message of uniting the diversity of India. The process of selection of tableaux is very transparent and technical, in which evaluation takes place at many levels. The winning tableau is one that is not only beautiful, but also performs well on all four levels – idea, technique, message and artistry.

In this way, the tableaux of 17 states and 13 departments finally participate in the parade and proudly present the soul, history, culture and progress of India in front of the audience across the world. The number of tableaux of states, departments and ministries may sometimes be reduced or may be increased. But only so much so that there is no problem in the time fixed for Republic Day and the space available.