New Delhi/Chandigarh, 26 January 2025: Punjab’s Republic Day tableau celebrated its identity as a land of knowledge and wisdom while offering a vivid portrayal of the state’s handicrafts, agricultural traditions, and musical heritage.
Dominated by a harmonious fusion of cultural elements, the tableau featured intricate inlay designs alongside skillfully woven handicrafts. At its forefront, a pair of yoked bullocks symbolized Punjab’s agricultural legacy.
The display’s base was adorned with finely designed mats, known locally as “durri,” adding an element of subtle elegance.
The tableau celebrated Punjab’s rich musical traditions with a traditionally dressed performer playing a “toombi,” surrounded by a “dholak” and ornamented earthen pots or “ghara.”
A woman in traditional attire was depicted weaving cloth, showcasing the globally renowned art of “Phulkari” embroidery.
In the trailer section, the tableau paid homage to Baba Sheikh Farid, one of Punjab’s most revered Sufi saints and the first poet to bring the Punjabi language into the literary spotlight.
The saint, often referred to as “Ganj-i-Shakkar” (storehouse of candy), was depicted sitting beneath a tree composing hymns, many of which are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.
Baba Sheikh Farid’s teachings accentuated moral integrity and devotion to God, encouraging humility, compassion, and generosity.
His legacy as a nurturer of the Punjabi language and spiritual guide continues to resonate deeply across the region.
