GUWAHATI: Assam tea, which has already become a popular sip around the world and is giving a strong thrust to the state economy, will be the theme of the Republic Day tableau that will roll down the capital this year. The tea gardens lend a distinct flavour to the state’s culture and the tableau will try to capture the essence of this culture. Possible designs of the tableau have been sent to the respective department at the Centre for approval.
The state cultural affairs department is hoping to bag another award this year. Last year, the tableau from Assam themed, ‘Land of Unique Craftsmanship and Culture’, was adjudged the best among the tableaus from 16 states and Union Territories. The department is keeping its fingers crossed for a repeat of this feat.
Director of Assam cultural affairs department, Jadav Saikia, said the construction of the tableau will begin in New Delhi soon. “Participation will be limited because of the pandemic,” he said on Monday.
Themed, ‘Tea and its Importance on the Economy and Cultural Glimpses,’ the tableau will showcase a typical tea garden scene of women plucking leaves and dancing to jhumar beats. Bihu exponent Ranjit Gogoi has been roped in by the cultural affairs department to choreograph the dance movements.
In recent years, Assam brew has made a place for itself in the competitive market of tea in eastern India. State cultural affairs minister Naba Kumar Doley told TOI on Monday that the tableau will focus on the industry’s contribution towards strengthening the economy.