Maharashtra’s ‘Ganeshotsav’ Tableau Secures First Prize at Republic Day Parade 2026: Full List of Winners
In a historic moment of cultural pride, Maharashtra’s vibrant tableau themed ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’ has been adjudged the best among all States and Union Territories at the Republic Day Parade 2026.
Maharashtra Dominates Kartavya Path with Ganeshotsav Theme
The Ministry of Defence announced the Republic Day 2026 Tableau Winners on Wednesday, confirming that Maharashtra clinches the prestigious first place in the Judges’ Choice category. The winning float beautifully integrated the spiritual essence of the Ashtavinayak temples with the socio-political history of the festival.
The tableau’s narrative centered on how Lokmanya Tilak transformed Ganeshotsav into a public movement in 1893 to bypass British restrictions on gatherings. This historical context was seamlessly blended with the modern theme of ‘Self-Reliance’ (Aatmanirbharta), featuring live Lezim dancers and a massive traditional ‘dhol’ that captivated the audience at Kartavya Path.
Detailed Republic Day Parade 2026 Results: Judges’ Choice
While Maharashtra led the tally, other regions also showcased exceptional craftsmanship. The Republic Day Parade 2026 Results for the top three states are:
- Maharashtra: ‘Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta’ (First Prize)
- Jammu & Kashmir: Focused on traditional handicrafts and indigenous folk dances.
- Kerala: Highlighted the ‘Water Metro’ project and the state’s strides in digital literacy.
In the Central Ministries category, the Ministry of Culture secured the top spot for its evocative ‘Vande Mataram’ themed tableau, which traced the evolution of India’s national song.
Indian Navy and Delhi Police Named Best Marching Contingents
The competition among the uniformed forces was equally intense. The Indian Navy was declared the Best Marching Contingent among the Three Services. Within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and other auxiliary forces, the Delhi Police contingent stood out for its impeccable drill and coordination, securing the first-place trophy.
Popular Choice Awards: Gujarat and Assam Regiment Lead
The ‘MyGov’ poll results, reflecting the Popular Choice Award winners Republic Day 2026, showed a slightly different preference from the public.
- Best Tableau (States): Gujarat claimed the first rank in public voting for its theme on ‘Swadeshi and Self-Reliance.’
- Best Marching Contingent: The Assam Regiment took the top honors in the popular vote for the Services, while the CRPF was voted the best among CAPFs.
Significance of the Win for Maharashtra
This victory is particularly significant as it marks the first time Maharashtra has secured the top position since Ganeshotsav was officially recognized as a “State Festival.” For the people of Maharashtra, the tableau was more than a display; it was a tribute to the state’s resilience and its contribution to India’s freedom struggle and modern industrial growth.
The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 30, 2026, at the Rashtriya Rangshala Camp, where the trophies will be handed over to the winning representatives.
