The awards, based on assessments by a panel of judges, recognise excellence in marching precision, thematic presentation and visual impact during the annual parade held along Kartavya Path in the national capital. The award ceremony will take place at the National Rangshala Camp on January 30.
Navy officials said the winning marching contingent comprised 144 young personnel who marched in flawless synchronisation, demonstrating discipline and coordination. The contingent topped the armed services category, ahead of the Army and the Air Force. In the Central Armed Police Forces and auxiliary forces category, the Delhi Police marching contingent secured the top position, with another Delhi Police unit finishing second.
In the states and union territories tableau category, Maharashtra clinched first place for its tableau centred on Ganesh Utsav as a symbol of self-reliance. The display featured women in traditional attire performing folk dances and highlighted the cultural significance of public celebrations. Jammu and Kashmir was adjudged second, while Kerala finished third.
The Ministry of Culture won the best tableau award among central ministries and departments for its presentation marking 150 years of Vande Mataram. The tableau traced the journey of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s iconic composition, from its manuscript origins to a colonial-era recording and a contemporary rendition by Gen Z performers. Titled “Vande Mataram: A Nation’s Soul Call,” the display blended folk traditions with modern expressions to underline the song’s enduring relevance.
Maharashtra’s tableau also paid tribute to theatre and cinema, depicting noted Marathi actor and musician Vishnu Pant Pagnis and referencing a rare 1928 recording. Visuals of freedom fighters and an image of Bharat Mata holding the tricolour formed part of the narrative.
A Special Award was announced for the Central Public Works Department’s tableau, which also commemorated 150 years of Vande Mataram using floral installations. The dance group “Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India” will receive a separate honour.
In the Popular Choice category, based on voting on the MyGov portal, the Assam Regiment emerged as the most favoured marching contingent among the armed services, while the CRPF topped the CAPF category. Gujarat’s tableau, themed “Swadeshi–Self-Reliance–Mantra of Freedom: Vande Mataram,” won first place among states, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Department of School Education and Literacy secured the top spot among central ministries in the Popular Choice segment.
