The Republic Day Parade 2025 was a spectacle of cultural brilliance, with the Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi’s performance, Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam (JJMB), taking center stage. This magnificent event showcased India’s rich folk and tribal traditions, featuring over 5,000 artists representing diverse art forms from across the country. The choreography celebrated India’s cultural legacy under the themes of Viksit Bharat, Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi, and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
A Guinness World Record Achievement
The grand performance set a new Guinness World Record as the “Largest Indian Folk Variety Dance,” solidifying its global significance. The announcement was made during a special ceremony in New Delhi, with Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat receiving the certificate on behalf of the artists.
A Kaleidoscope of Folk and Tribal Dance
The performance featured over 50 distinct dance forms, blending regional identities into a unified expression of national pride. Highlights included:
- Snow Lion and Monpa Mask Dances from Arunachal Pradesh.
- Bihu from Assam.
- Kalbelia from Rajasthan.
- Padayani from Kerala.
- Chhau from Bengal and Odisha.
- Badhai from Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh.
- Mentok Flower Dance, symbolizing auspicious beginnings.
Each dance celebrated local traditions, from agricultural rituals to mythological storytelling, emphasizing India’s cultural wealth.
Symbolism of Unity in Diversity
The performance symbolized India’s unity in diversity, seamlessly blending regional dance forms and musical traditions. From the graceful Garba to the dynamic Bhangra, and the intricate storytelling of Yakshagana, each performance highlighted the interconnectedness of India’s cultural landscape.
The use of props and ceremonial elements, such as floral arrangements, spears, and kavadi, further enriched the visual narrative, creating a spiritual and celebratory ambiance.
Meticulous Attention to Detail
Costumes were vibrant and region-specific, featuring intricate embroidery, traditional jewelry, and ornate accessories. Props like masks, muppets, and ceremonial items, crafted by the National School of Drama under the guidance of Chittaranjan Tripathy, added authenticity and depth to the performance.
Musical Mastery
The thematic composition, Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam, written by Subhas Sehgal and composed by Shankar Mahadevan, provided the event’s emotional backbone. The music bridged traditional sounds with modern harmonies, resonating with audiences across generations. Instruments like dhols, bansuris, shehnais, and mridangams created a pulsating soundscape, while auspicious instruments such as ranashingha, tutari, and shankh energized the parade.
A Historic Celebration of Indian Heritage
The event was conceptualized by Sandhya Purecha, Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and choreographed by a team of experts, including Subhash Nakashe and Ranjit Gogoi. The performance captivated millions, celebrating India’s artistic brilliance and reinforcing the country’s cultural identity on the global stage.
As Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam echoed through the streets of Delhi, it served as a testament to India’s unparalleled cultural heritage and the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, leaving an indelible mark on Republic Day 2025.