Gujarat’s Republic Day tableau has won the “Popular Choice Award” for the fourth consecutive year, a record no other state has achieved. The 2026 tableau, themed ‘Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram’, received 43% of the national vote, emerging as the clear crowd favourite.

The voting, conducted on the MyGov portal, showed Gujarat leading from the very first hour. Uttar Pradesh followed with 9% of the votes, while the remaining 15 states shared the rest, highlighting Gujarat’s strong public support for its themed presentation.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described the win as a tribute to Gujarat’s freedom fighters and the people’s emotional bond with the state’s heritage. “The tableau has been deeply appreciated across India, reflecting citizens’ love for Gujarat’s legacy,” he said.

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The tableau was designed and presented by Gujarat’s Information Department, showcasing the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the spirit of patriotism. Its vivid display and message of national pride resonated with audiences nationwide.

Gujarat began its streak of winning the Popular Choice Award in 2023 with the ‘Clean Green Energy Gujarat’ tableau. In 2024, its ‘Dhordo – World’s Best Tourism Village (UNWTO)’ tableau won the award and secured second place in the Jury’s Choice, followed by the 2025 tableau, ‘From Anartpur to Ektanagar, A Wonderful Confluence of Heritage and Development’.

The award will be formally presented to Gujarat by the Union Minister of State for Defence during the Republic Day closing ceremony at the National Stadium in New Delhi on January 30, marking the state’s historic four-year winning streak.

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