Gujarat's Dhordo tourism village tableau secures top spot in Republic Day parade

New Delhi: Gujarat's Republic Day tableau featuring Dhordo tourism village has clinched the first position in the people's choice category, announced Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Out of the 25 tableaus presented during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, Gujarat's depiction of Dhordo emerged victorious in the people's choice category.

Dhordo, a village situated in Gujarat's Kachchh district, has gained recognition for its cultural heritage and is often referred to as the gateway to the scenic White Rann. The village is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, and folk music, and hosts the annual Rann Utsav.

Recently bestowed with the title of "Best Tourism Village" by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Dhordo became the central theme of Gujarat's tableau, titled 'Dhordo: A Global Icon of Gujarat's Border Tourism.'

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed his joy, stating, "I am extremely happy to inform you that the Gujarat tableau displayed in the parade organised at Kartvyapath, New Delhi, as part of the Republic Day celebrations has bagged first place in the people's choice category."

He further revealed that the Gujarat tableau secured the second position in the judges' choice category.

Patel emphasised the tableau's representation of the 'Dhordo: Global Identity of Gujarat's Border Tourism' theme, covering various aspects of Kutch's art and culture. The tableau creatively portrayed Gujarat's geographical location through a rotating globe, showcasing the unique Kachchhi houses known as Bhunga, local handicrafts, and Rogan artwork.

The tableau's progression depicted scenes of a foreign tourist, digitally making a payment while adorned in traditional attire, symbolising technological advancements in Dhordo. Traditional Garba dance by women in traditional attire was also featured, paying homage to Gujarat's historical and cultural roots.

Expressing gratitude, Patel congratulated the team involved in producing and presenting the tableau and thanked citizens for voting for Gujarat's tableau. He concluded with, "Congratulations to the team involved in the production and presentation of this tableau and to all Gujaratis. I also express my gratitude to all the citizens who voted for Gujarat's Tableau...Jay Jay Garvi Gujarat."