Goa tableau at the 73rd Republic Day 2022
Gomantak Times
Themed on the significant monuments and cultural treasures from the state, the Goa state tableau at the Republic Day this year, will depict symbols of Goan Heritage, Aguada fort, Martyrs Memorial at Azad Maidan, Donapaula, IFFI, Shigmo festival and Kunbies folk dance.
A team of 25 artisans from Goa camped in New Delhi for a month to complete the work of structure, fabrication, sculpture, carpentry, woodworks and painting.
A Goa-based artist Sushant Khedekar from Varkhande-Ponda, who prepared Goa’s tableaux on several occasions, said, "Goa is the only state among very few states who take artists from their own state to construct tableau. This time around we face a difficult situation considering the Covid situation and bad weather in Delhi. There were heavy rains in Delhi in January. So, our team could not work for 3-4 days. However, it has turned out to be a very good tableau."
A team of 25 artisans from Goa worked on the tableau in Delhi for a month.
"Goa doesn't have a direct connection with the freedom movement of India and at the same time, Goa is also celebrating 60 years of liberation. Considering these things and the theme in mind, the tableau was prepared," he added.
The front portion of the tableau will show the majestic Fort Aguada, overlooking the Arabian Sea, which, with its historical legacy of 450 years, defines the Goan landscape. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1612 to defend against possible Dutch invasions. During the Goan liberation struggle, it served as a jail where freedom fighters were imprisoned before being deported to Lisbon for longer sentences.
The middle portion of the tableau will show the Martyrs' Memorial at Azad Maidan in Panaji. It is a symbol of selfless sacrifice made by hundreds of freedom fighters for the Liberation of Goa. The lotus placed at the top of the memorial symbolises universal brotherhood.
The rear portion of the tableau will showcase Dona Paula, which is an idyllic rocky tourist attraction, and the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), one of the most significant film festivals in Asia hosted in Goa.
The dancers that will be seen atop the float, represent the Kunbi community, the original inhabitants of Goa and the colourful Shigmo is the most popular spring festival in Goa.