Punjab Tableau Honors Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th Martyrdom at 77th Republic Day Parade

January 26, 2026

New Delhi: A grand parade was held in Delhi on the occasion of the country’s 77th Republic Day. A tableau from Punjab was also featured during the parade. Dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the tableau conveyed the message of humanity, sacrifice, and Sikh principles. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his pleasure at the tableau’s display, saying it allowed learning about Guru Sahib’s life.

President Draupadi Murmu waved to the tableau. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the chief guest of the Republic Day celebrations, was also seen seeking information about the tableau from an aide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also seen with her.

What message did this tableau convey?

Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, a senior Punjab government official, stated that this tableau is dedicated to the martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He explained that the tableau will depict the unparalleled sacrifices of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Diyal Ji. The tableau is in two parts. The hand depicted on the tractor part symbolizes ensuring religious freedom, just as Guru Sahib ensured religious freedom for other religions.

The tableau features the Khanda Sahib at the back. It is accompanied by a model of Gurdwara Sisganj Sahib, where Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed his life for humanity. The side panels of the tableau depict the martyrdom of Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Diyal Ji.

There was a controversy over the tableau in 2024.

In 2024, when Punjab’s tableau was not included in the parade, there was considerable uproar. The Punjab government described the issue as a case of discrimination against Punjab, as the tableau depicted Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Chandrashekhar Azad. At that time, the Aam Aadmi Party was also in power in Delhi. Consequently, the Punjab government displayed the tableau in all cities and villages across Delhi and Punjab.

All the ministers of the Punjab government visited villages and cities during this event. 

Punjab’s tableau has received the award thrice

Punjab’s tableau has received the award thrice. The tableau dedicated to the centenary of the Jallianwala massacre in April 2019, a humble tribute, received the third award in 2019. The award was presented by the then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. The then Secretary of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, received it along with Director Anindita Mitra. The department had also received the third position in 1967 and 1982.