Maharashtra Again Wins Best Tableau Award

Maharashtra’s tableau, “Ganeshotsav : A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta” (self-reliance) has been adjudged the best among the floats submitted by the States and Union Territories at the 2026 Republic Day parade. The honour has been won by the state after a decade’s gap. The float this time has highlighted cultural, economic and environmental significance with traditional Dhol-Tasha and Lezim performers, securing the top prize for showcasing Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage. Incidentally, in 1993 also, the same theme, “Ganesh Utsav” was termed the best in the parade. It was selected to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the now largest public festival in the world, conceived by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The top position was again secured in 1994 to remember Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation and beginning of the Shivaji Era. The hat trick was achieved since in 1995, the spiritual pilgrimage of the Warkari sect was the theme. However, after this winning spree, Maharashtra did not reach the top position till 2015, when its tableau themed on the “Wari” tradition once more grabbed the coveted place. The Maharashtra tableau 2026 combined traditional imagery with modern themes, including the Ashtavinayak shrine, highlighting the economic and social impact of the festival. In 2023, Maharashtra’s tableau on “Saade Teen Shakti Peeth” (three and a half Shakti Peethas) had won the popular choice award though the main award had gone to Uttarakhand. In 2022, Maharashtra had secured the first prize in the popular choice category for its tableau on the “Biodiversity of Maharashtra.” While Jammu & Kashmir won the second prize, it was followed by Kerala in the third place.