Women’s power was emphasized in the 75th Republic day parade tableau of Manipur representing the northeast states.
The 75th Republic Day celebration of the country took place today (26.01.2024). In this celebration, tri-army motorcades, air force fly-past and parades are showcased. As part of the parade, tableaus representing the multicultural aspect of different parts of the country are showcased.
The parade took place in Kartavya path of central Delhi and the theme of this year for the Republic day parade tableau is Viksit Bharat (developed India), with a focus on ‘Nari Ki Shakti’ that is women empowerment. In this context the state government created their tableau representing ‘Nari Ki Shakti’.
Women power in Manipur
In which, the tableau of Manipur a violence hit state, emphasizes the “Nari ki shakti” that is women empowerment. They showcased Ima keithel also known as mothers market as an example of female empowerment. The specialty of this market is completely run by women traders. This mothers market is in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. This was established around 500 years ago and this market has around 5000-6000 female vendors. Men are prohibited to do trade in this market. If they try to set up shops against this ban, they will be punished by the Manipur government. Scenes from this market were featured in the tableau of Republic day parade.
Apart from this the tableau also includes the information about India’s first lotus silk producer, Bijiyashanti Tongbram. She is from the Thanga village of Manipur. She has the legacy of export lotus silk to other countries which makes India as the fourth nation to export lotus silk. She employs many local women in this and thereby bringing immense pride to the nation.
Other states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra pradesh and Rajasthan also show women empowerment in their tableau but Manipur’s tableau gets more attention because of the recent violence Manipur faces especially women who faced sexual assault.
