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At the press preview held on Thursday evening at the R.R. Camp Rangshala in Delhi Cantonment, the Rajasthan tableau titled “Rajasthan: The Golden Touch of the Desert”, to be presented on Kartavya Path during the Republic Day celebrations, emerged as a major attraction.
Designed with a central focus on the world-famous Usta art of Bikaner, the tableau captivated audiences with its exquisite craftsmanship, rich cultural splendour and vibrant visual presentation.
The front section of the tableau features a 180-degree rotating sculpture of an artist playing the Ravanhatta, Rajasthan’s traditional folk musical instrument. On either side, beautifully framed Usta-art decorated surahis, kuppis and lamps are displayed. This section rises to a height of approximately 13 feet. The trailer section showcases a rotating traditional kuppi adorned with Usta art, along with scenes of artisans at work, vividly depicting the living tradition of this unique craft.
In the background, a giant sculpture of a camel and camel rider powerfully represents Rajasthan’s desert culture and folk life. On both sides, arches embellished with Usta art display outstanding examples of gold leaf craftsmanship with intricate foliage motifs.
Artists performing the Gair folk dance around the tableau further enhanced Rajasthan’s cultural identity, making the presentation even more impactful. Overall, the tableau emerged as a vivid confluence of traditional art, folk culture and royal heritage.
Designer and supervisor of the tableau, Shri Har Shiv Kumar Sharma, informed that Rajasthan’s tableau will be presented among the tableaux of the Centre and various states during the full dress rehearsal on January 23 and the main Republic Day समारोह on January 26 at Kartavya Path, showcasing the grandeur of Bikaner’s Usta art.
Secretary of the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi, Dr. Rajnish Harsh, stated that the tableau has been created under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture, Smt. Diya Kumari, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Praveen Gupta, and Deputy Secretary Smt. Anuradha Gogiya.
