In a proud moment for the state, a Uttarakhand tableau titled ‘Ashta Tatva Aur Ekatva’ (Eight Elements and Unity) will be featured at the National Unity Day parade on October 31 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man. The event, held in front of the Statue of Unity, will celebrate the theme of national integration and unity in diversity.
The tableau, representing Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, seeks to highlight the spiritual essence, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of the state, while also symbolising its commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. Designed around the theme of ‘Ashta Tatva Aur Ekatva’, it portrays the harmonious balance of the eight fundamental elements—earth, water, fire, air, sky, mind, intellect, and spirit—which together reflect the universal idea of unity in creation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, selected Uttarakhand’s tableau after several rounds of evaluation and deliberation. Along with seven other states, Uttarakhand earned a spot among the final participants whose tableaux will be showcased during the national parade at Ekta Nagar.
Banshidhar Tiwari, Director General of the Information Department, Uttarakhand, described the selection as a matter of great honour for the state. He said that the tableau is a tribute not only to Uttarakhand’s cultural depth but also to its progressive vision. “The tableau reflects how faith, tradition, and development coexist harmoniously in the land of the gods,” he remarked.
The tableau has been designed under the supervision of K. S. Chauhan, Joint Director of the Information Department and nodal officer for the project. Chauhan confirmed that preparations have been completed and all aspects of the presentation—from artistic design to logistics and cultural performance—have been finalised.
Depicting Uttarakhand’s essence through intricate models and vibrant visuals, the tableau will feature the state’s sacred pilgrimage sites, snow-clad Himalayan peaks, and its rich flora and fauna. Each section has been crafted to represent the deep connection between spirituality, nature, and human life, central to Uttarakhand’s identity.
In addition to the tableau display, a 14-member troupe of folk artists will perform during the parade, showcasing the traditional music and dance forms of Uttarakhand. Their performance, based on regional folk rhythms and attire, will bring alive the cultural vibrancy of the hill state. The troupe successfully participated in the full-dress rehearsal held on Wednesday at the Statue of Unity grounds.
Officials explained that the tableau aims to present Uttarakhand not merely as a tourist destination but as a living symbol of balance between development and ecological preservation. Through this depiction, the state seeks to convey the message that progress must be rooted in respect for nature and tradition.
The tableau’s artistic elements will feature symbolic representations of Char Dham shrines—Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri— along with depictions of traditional Garhwali and Kumaoni architecture, terraced fields, and mountain landscapes. Together, these scenes will encapsulate the state’s spirit of devotion, resilience, and harmony with nature.
Senior officials said the participation reflects the government’s broader goal of promoting Uttarakhand’s culture, tourism, and heritage on national and international platforms. It also reinforces the state’s reputation as a region that combines spiritual tranquillity with forward-looking development.
The National Unity Day parade is one of India’s most significant commemorations, honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the leader credited with uniting the nation after Independence. Tableaux from across India will represent diverse themes such as national integration, cultural pride, and inclusive progress. Uttarakhand’s entry is expected to stand out for its serene visual appeal, cultural depth, and ecological symbolism.
Observers believe the state’s participation at such a prestigious platform will boost Uttarakhand’s visibility as a destination of culture, faith, and sustainable growth. Tourism officials anticipate that the tableau’s artistic depiction will attract nationwide interest in Uttarakhand’s heritage, natural beauty, and community-led tourism initiatives.
The Information Department has stated that the tableau’s journey to the national event is the outcome of extensive teamwork involving local artisans, designers, and cultural experts. Every detail has been curated to authentically represent the state’s traditions while aligning with the national message of unity.
As preparations conclude and final rehearsals give way to the grand presentation, Uttarakhand’s ‘Ashta Tatva Aur Ekatva’ tableau stands ready to project the spirit of harmony, culture, and progress at the heart of the nation’s Unity Day celebrations. The event promises to bring pride to the hill state, reaffirming its contribution to India’s collective identity of faith, resilience, and oneness.
