Which States Ruled Republic Day 2026 Tableaux? The Winners Might Surprise You

The results of the Republic Day Parade 2026 awards have been officially announced, highlighting the best marching contingents and most impactful tableaux displayed on Kartavya Path. The annual evaluation celebrates creativity, discipline and national themes showcased during the parade. This year, states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir stood out for their cultural storytelling, while the Indian Navy and Delhi Police impressed judges with precision marching. Alongside jury-based awards, citizens also played a role through the MyGov portal, choosing their favourite tableaux and contingents under the Popular Choice category.

Best Tableaux Winners: States and UTs

• In the States and Union Territories category, Maharashtra secured first place for its tableau titled “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta”, highlighting cultural self-reliance.
• Jammu and Kashmir followed in second place with “Handicrafts and Folk Dances of J&K”, showcasing regional heritage.
• Kerala ranked third for “Water Metro & 100% Digital Literacy”, linking technology with inclusive growth. These tableaux were judged on theme relevance, visual impact and storytelling.
• The selections reflected how states creatively aligned local identity with national priorities like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and cultural preservation.

Best Marching Contingents 2026

• Among the three Armed Forces, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent, praised for discipline and synchronization.
• In the category of Central Armed Police Forces and auxiliary forces, the Delhi Police won the top honour. Separate panels of judges evaluated marching units from the Services and CAPFs to ensure fairness.
• The awards highlighted operational excellence, ceremonial precision and professional standards.
• Marching contingents remain a central attraction of the parade, symbolising unity, strength and preparedness of India’s security forces.

Central Ministries and Special Awards

• The Ministry of Culture won the award for Best Tableau among Central Ministries for “Vande Mataram – The Soul Cry of a Nation”.
• Special awards were also announced.
• The Central Public Works Department was honoured for its tableau commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram.
• Additionally, the dance group “Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India” received special recognition.
• These awards acknowledged artistic expression and historical themes that resonated strongly with the parade’s larger national narrative.

Popular Choice Awards: Public Voting Results

• The Popular Choice awards, based on voting through the MyGov portal, reflected public preference.
• The Assam Regiment was voted Best Marching Contingent among the Services, while the CRPF topped the CAPFs category.
• In tableaux, Gujarat ranked first with “Mantra of Swadeshi – Self-Reliance – Freedom”.
• Uttar Pradesh came second for “Culture of Bundelkhand”, and Rajasthan third for “Bikaner Gold Art (Usta Art)”.
• The Department of School Education and Literacy won among ministries for its NEP 2020 tableau.

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Republic Day Parade 2026 award results
Best State Tableaux	Maharashtra, J&K, Kerala
Best Marching Contingents	Indian Navy, Delhi Police
Popular Choice Winners	Assam Regiment, CRPF
Public Voting Platform	MyGov Portal
Theme Focus	Culture, self-reliance, Vande Mataram

Question

Q. Which state won the first prize for Best Tableau at Republic Day Parade 2026?

A. Kerala
B. Gujarat
C. Maharashtra
D. Rajasthan