R-Day (Watch): Odisha’s Rukuna Rath Rolls On Rajpath In New Delhi

New Delhi: The Runkuna Rath rolled out ninth on the Rajpath during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Sunday.

Showcasing Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, the tableau depicted the renowned Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraja, worshipped as both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

While the front portion was a replica of Rukuna Rath followed by a ‘Nandi’ (the big bull) made of fibre glass, the rear part displayed a miniature model of the 11th century Lingaraj Temple with 30 Odissi dancers matching steps to a ‘Shiva Stuti’ choreographed by Sunil Bala.

The 16-ft high, 14-ft wide and 45-ft long tableau was made by 25 artists, including 18 students of BK College of Art and Craft, Bhubaneswar, using plywood and cloth. Noted sculptor Gajendra Sahu had designed it.

The Ministry of Defence had shortlisted 22 tableaux — six by central ministries and departments and 16 by states and Union Territories — for Republic Day 2020 parade.