Republic Day Parade 2026: Indian Navy, Delhi Police named best marching contingents; Maharashtra wins best tableau

The results for the Best Marching Contingents and Best Tableaux of the Republic Day Parade 2026 have been announced, recognising outstanding performances by the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, States, Union Territories, and Central Ministries.

In the States and Union Territories category, Maharashtra secured first place for its tableau on “Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta.” Jammu and Kashmir was awarded second place for showcasing its rich handicrafts and folk dances, while Kerala stood third with its tableau highlighting the Water Metro project and achievement of 100 per cent digital literacy under the theme of Aatmanirbhar Kerala for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

According to an official statement, three panels of judges assessed the marching contingents and tableaux presented during the Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path. Among the three Services, the Indian Navy was adjudged the Best Marching Contingent, while Delhi Police won the top honour among the Central Armed Police Forces and other auxiliary forces.

The Ministry of Culture was declared the winner in the Central Ministries and Departments category for its tableau titled “Vande Mataram, The Soul Cry of a Nation.”

Special prizes were also announced. The Central Public Works Department received a special award for its tableau commemorating 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” while the dance group “Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India” was also honoured.

Meanwhile, the results of the Popular Choice category, based on an online poll conducted on the MyGov portal, were announced separately. In this category, the Assam Regiment was voted the Best Marching Contingent among the three Services, while the Central Reserve Police Force emerged as the winner among the CAPFs and auxiliary forces.

Among the States and Union Territories, Gujarat topped the Popular Choice category for its tableau themed “Mantra of Swadeshi, Self-Reliance, Freedom: Vande Mataram,” followed by Uttar Pradesh for its depiction of Bundelkhand’s culture and Rajasthan for its presentation on Bikaner’s Usta art titled “Golden Touch of the Desert.”

In the Central Ministries and Departments category, the Department of School Education and Literacy won the Popular Choice award for its tableau on the National Education Policy 2020, highlighting the transformation of Indian school education on the path to a Viksit Bharat.