Sunil Chadha
Shimla: After a gap of six years, Himachal Pradesh will once again showcase its cultural and martial legacy on Kartavya Path in New Delhi during the Republic Day parade on January 26. The state’s tableau, centred on Himachal’s rich tradition of valour, has received final approval from the committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Defence.
With the clearance in place, the Himachal Pradesh Language, Art and Culture Department has initiated preparations for the tableau and invited tenders for its design and execution. On Republic Day, Kartavya Path — symbolic of India’s military strength, cultural diversity and heroic traditions — will once again witness Himachal’s saga of bravery.
Tableau to highlight Himachal’s legacy of valour
The tableau will depict the state’s illustrious “veer gatha”, reflecting Himachal Pradesh’s significant contribution to the nation’s defence forces. Known both as Devbhoomi and Veerbhoomi, the hill state has a long-standing association with courage and sacrifice.
The narrative of bravery will begin with Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee. Himachal Pradesh has produced four Param Vir Chakra recipients, along with several Ashok and Mahavir Chakra awardees. Visuals of these gallantry award winners will be featured in the tableau, set against a backdrop of majestic snow-clad mountains.
Military honours form core theme
According to officials, the tableau will showcase photographs and representations of Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Mahavir Chakra awardees from the state, underlining Himachal’s deep roots in India’s military history. The stories of courage from the region have long been an integral part of the armed forces’ legacy.
Himachal Pradesh has featured on the Republic Day parade route several times in the past, each tableau highlighting a distinct cultural or regional theme:
• 1993: Tourism and snowfall
• 1998: Kullu Dussehra and Raghunath Rath Yatra
• 2007: Monasteries and monks of Lahaul-Spiti
• 2012: Tribal culture and craftsmanship of Kinnaur
• 2017: Chamba Rumal showcasing traditional embroidery
• 2018: Thousand-year-old heritage of a Lahaul-Spiti monastery
• 2020: Kullu Dussehra
The 2025 tableau marks Himachal’s return to Kartavya Path after its last appearance in 2020.
State’s pride in ‘Veer Naman’ theme
“This year, approval has been granted to present Veerbhoomi Himachal in the Republic Day parade under the theme ‘Veer Naman’. It is a matter of great pride for the state,” said an official of the Language, Art and Culture Department.
Himachal Pradesh’s soldiers have earned 1,203 gallantry medals, including four Param Vir Chakras, two Ashok Chakras and 10 Mahavir Chakras, an achievement that reflects the state’s enduring legacy of courage and sacrifice. With its return to the national stage, Himachal’s tableau is expected to pay a powerful tribute to the bravery of its soldiers while reaffirming the state’s unique place in India’s cultural and military landscape.
