- Tableau Enhances the Grandeur at Kartavya Path
At the Republic Day Parade 2026 in New Delhi, the Madhya Pradesh tableau titled ‘Punyashloka Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’ captivated the nation with its majestic and emotionally resonant presentation on Kartavya Path. Dedicated to the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, the tableau powerfully showcased her illustrious personality and enduring legacy of good governance, self-reliance, women’s empowerment and cultural preservation.
On the occasion of India’s 77th Republic Day, the parade salute was taken by the Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, members of the Union Cabinet and other distinguished guests were present to witness this historic event.
The front section of the tableau featured the iconic statue of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, seated in padmasana and holding a Shivling. This depiction symbolised the grace, dignity, and spiritual consciousness of India’s Matri-Shakti. In the central section, Lokmata Ahilyabai is shown with her ministers and soldiers, reflecting her strong administrative system, justice-oriented governance and commitment to public welfare. The lower portion presents an impressive portrayal of the temples restored and constructed during her reign by the Holkar Empire, with a soldier standing guard to convey the message of protecting cultural heritage. The rear section of the tableau showcased the magnificent view of the ghats, temples and fort of her capital, Maheshwar.
The artistic depiction of the sacred Narmada River, along with ghats and boats, imparted a profound spiritual aura to the tableau. Temple spires of the Maheshwar ghats appeared in the background. The Murals depicted women weaving Maheshwari sarees under Lokmata Ahilyabai’s guidance, an eloquent testament to women’s empowerment, indigenous production and the vision of a self-reliant India during her reign.