New Delhi: The Ministry of Culture secured a double honour at the Republic Day Parade 2026, with its tableau and cultural presentation both winning top awards.
The ministry’s tableau, titled “Vande Mataram – 150 Years Journey”, won the first prize in the category of Best Tableau among Central Ministries and Departments, according to an official release. The tableau traced the 150-year journey of Vande Mataram, highlighting its role in India’s freedom movement and its lasting place in the nation’s identity.
Through strong visual elements and symbolism, the tableau showed how the national song inspired unity and national awakening across generations. It reflected the continued relevance of Vande Mataram in shaping India’s collective consciousness.
The Ministry of Culture also won a Special Prize for its large-scale cultural dance presentation, “Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of Bharat”. The performance was curated by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in collaboration with the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala.
The presentation paid tribute to Rashtrarishi Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s iconic composition that became a rallying cry during the freedom struggle. It featured nearly 2,500 artists from all States and Union Territories, bringing together classical, folk and tribal traditions from across the country.
The choreography depicted Bharat’s journey from its spiritual roots to the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the service of the armed forces. Sanskrit chants, music and dynamic formations added depth to the performance, which concluded with a tribute to the Tiranga as a symbol of unity and pride.
The cultural presentation was led by Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, as overall creative director. Music was composed by Oscar-winning composer M M Keeravani, with additional lyrics by Subhas Sehgal. The voice-over was delivered by actor Anupam Kher, choreography by Santosh Nair, and costume design by Sandhya Raman.
The awards marked a significant recognition of India’s cultural heritage and the enduring legacy of Vande Mataram on the national stage.
