New Delhi: The tableau of Jammu And Kashmir, themed on 'Naya Jammu and Kashmir', displayed the potential of pilgrimage and recreational tourism in the region. Tourism in J&K has also got a boost with a record footfall of 1.62 crores for the first time in the history of 75 years of Independent India.
While one portion of the tableau showed sculptures of a leopard, Kashmiri Stags and the Kalij pheasant in a wild setting, the other portion displayed the vast Tulip Garden and lavender cultivation with women working on them.
The hilly regions of Jammu and Kashmir have varied fauna and are home to the once-endangered Kashmiri stag, locally called the Hangul, the common leopard, and the Kalij Pheasant, which has been named the bird of the Union Territory.
Mud houses, which are being promoted to offer eco-friendly living for tourists were also displayed at the centre. The famous Amarnath shrine along with skiing in the well-known tourist destination of Gulmarg was also on display.
The world-famous tulip gardens and lavender cultivation have opened new vistas for budding entrepreneurs in the region.
ALSO READ: Republic Day 2023 Parade: Karnataka Tableau Features 3 Exceptional Women — A Tribute To Nari Shakti
Vibrant tableaux from Assam, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gujarat, West Bengal, and several other states and Union Territories traveled down the renovated Kartavya Path on the occasion of Republic Day. The majority of the floats had "Nari Shakti" as their theme.
The ceremonial procession featured a total of 23 tableaux—17 from states and union territories, and six from other ministries and departments—depicting India's unique cultural history, economic development, and social advancement, Defence Ministry officials said.
The theme chosen by several states this year was mostly 'Nari Shakti,' along with cultural heritage and other themes, according to the official. The West Bengal tableau represented Durga Puja in Kolkata and commemorates its inclusion on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Last year, the federal government commemorated the 400th birth anniversary of the Ahom General. Borphukan was a commander in the former Ahom kingdom and is most remembered for his leadership in the 1671 battle of Saraighat, which prevented Mughal armies from capturing Assam.
This was the first Republic Day celebration held on Rajpath since it was renamed 'Kartavya Path' last year.