In A First, 100 Female Artists To Kick Off R-Day Parade With Traditional Instruments

New Delhi: For the first time, 100 women artists attired in costumes of their respective states will kick off the Republic Day parade on the themes ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘India: Mother of Democracy’ (Bharat: Loktantra Ki Jannee), playing conch shells, drums and other traditional instruments.

Detailing the Union Ministry of Culture’s activities during Republic Week (January 23 to 31), minister of State for Culture Meenakashi Lekhi said that 1,500 women artists from 30 states will perform folk and classical dances, and 1,900 sarees from all states will be displayed on the Kartavya path.

Sangeet Natak Academy chairperson Dr Sandhya Purecha informed that unlike previous years’ Republic Day parade, which used to begin with the military band, female artists will inaugurate the parade this time, and have been practising for a month.

A special exhibition titled ‘Anant Sutra’ is underway on Kartavya path. The Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, which is the nodal agency for this exhibition, has made arrangements on both sides of Kartavya Path.

“We are paying homage to women’s power through the ‘Anant Sutra’. A QR code has been provided. Upon scanning, one will directly access the website of Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, obtaining information about the saree. A 150-year-old saree, showcasing the Kota Panthi art form of Kashmir and Punjab, will also be on display,” informed Amita Prasad, Joint Secretary of Union Culture Ministry.