CW Games, Mumbai’s dabbawalas, Kumbh Mela - all at R-Day parade

NEW DELHI - Shera, the mascot of Commonwealth Games 2010, is all set to be the highlight of this year’s Republic Day parade, which will have 21 tableaus portraying newer concepts and refreshing traditions like Mumbai’s dabbawalas and Uttarakhand’s Maha Kumbh Mela.

Of the 21 tableaus in the parade this year, 13 are from states and eight from various central government ministries and departments.

A new feature of the parade would be the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ tableau on the upcoming Commonwealth Games. With a model of the main sporting venue, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and mascot ‘Shera’, the ministry hopes to promote the event as the first “Green Games”.

Maharashtra will present a unique theme this year by showcasing the daily life of Mumbai Dabbawalas, while Uttarakhand is highlighting the once-in-12-years Maha Kumbh Mela in vibrant colours.

The Jantar Mantar Observatory at Jaipur will be rebuilt on the Rajasthan tableau while Goa will promote its international film festival.

The southern states of Karnataka and Kerala are to showcase monumental and cultural heritage with a mix of ritualistic dances and musical drumbeats.

Bhagalpur weavers will be seen spinning yarn on Bihar’s tableau that will showcase its thriving silk industry.

Manipur’s “Hiyang Tanaba” or the traditional boat race of the Meiteis tribe, Meghalaya’s indegenous bamboo-drip irrigation system, Tripura’s tribute to legendary singer S.D. Burman who hailed from that state, and Mizoram’s traditional handicrafts are also set to impress the viewers.

A floral tableau by the Central Public Works Department will display the concerns of Global Warming while the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has chosen to promote the Forest Rights Act, 2006 with a green display depicting cultivation, fishing and animal husbandry.