India’s cultural unity shines: 5,000 artistes perform 45 dances on Republic Day

India’s cultural diversity came alive at Kartavya Path on Sunday as 5,000 artistes from across the country performed 45 traditional dance forms during the Republic Day parade. The nearly 11-minute performance, titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mamah Bharatam’, curated by the Ministry of Culture, was one of the event’s highlights, captivating the audience with its vibrant display of unity in diversity.

Dressed in traditional costumes and adorned with authentic jewellery and props, artistes from states like Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Manipur, Gujarat, and West Bengal turned the entire stretch from Vijay Chowk to C-Hexagon into a colourful tapestry of India’s cultural heritage. Performances included dances like Jhijhiya (Bihar), Mayur Ras (Uttar Pradesh), Dangi (Gujarat), Lambadi (Telangana), Kabui (Manipur), and Chau (West Bengal), among others.

The visual synchronisation and grandeur drew comparisons to a cultural "Kumbh." Guests, mesmerised by the sheer scale of the performance, flocked to take selfies with the artistes after the event.

Artistes like Albertsana Rajkumar (25) and Langlen (19) from Manipur shared how month-long rehearsals helped them perfect their steps while fostering inter-cultural bonds. “We learned about other states’ languages and traditions, which also improved coordination,” said Langlen.

Himachal Pradesh’s Khushi Thakur (22) and Deepak Sharma (25), who performed the state’s traditional ‘Naati’ dance, echoed similar sentiments. “The parade gave us a chance to share our culture and learn about others,” they added.

The Choreography:

The performance celebrated themes like ‘Viksit Bharat’, ‘Virasat Bhi Vikas Bhi’, and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, with lyrics by Subhash Sehgal and music composed by Shankar Mahadevan.

A First for Kartavya Path:

For the first time, the performance spanned the entire Kartavya Path, ensuring every guest experienced the same vibrant showcase. This year’s cultural spectacle was a tribute to India’s artistic heritage, youth power, and women empowerment, according to officials.

The event underscored India’s rich cultural unity, leaving spectators and participants with a renewed sense of pride in the nation’s diversity.