Assam’s Asharikandi Terracotta Shines at Republic Day Parade

New Delhi:Assam brought the warmth of its earth and the strength of its tradition to Kartavya Path on Monday, as the state’s Republic Day tableau highlighted the celebrated terracotta craft hub of Asharikandi.

The tableau showcased Asharikandi village in Dhubri district, widely recognised as the largest concentration of traditional Assamese terracotta artisans in the country. For over a hundred years, families in the village have carried forward the craft of clay-making, blending functionality with spiritual symbolism while sustaining livelihoods through inherited skill.

Dominating the front of the tableau was a striking terracotta figure holding earthen lamps arranged in a circular formation, creating a powerful visual focal point. The tractor section featured bamboo fencing, reflecting Assam’s deep association with bamboo as a material central to rural life, ecological balance and economic sustainability.

The trailer took the form of a Moyurponkhi boat, a visual tribute to Assam’s river-based civilisation. Artisans were depicted moulding hiramati (clay) into idols of deities, offering viewers a glimpse into the creative process and sacred dimension of the craft. A traditional pall at the rear of the structure added authenticity, recalling the waterways that historically shaped trade, culture and movement across the region.

Adding to the tableau’s vibrancy were women artisans clad in traditional mekhela chadors, moving in rhythm and singing verses that celebrated their bond with the land and their craft. The performance conveyed the confidence of a community whose heritage-driven artistry is steadily finding recognition beyond national borders.

Reacting to the moment, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to social media, expressing pride over Assam leading the Republic Day procession. He described the tableau as a celebration of the state’s cultural wealth, the legacy of Asharikandi and Assam’s growing role in India’s development journey.

A for Assam at Kartavya Path!

From coming last to leading first, our tableau proudly led the procession this #RepublicDay.

A moment that celebrates Assam’s rich culture, Asharikandi heritage and its place at the forefront of Bharat’s growth story. 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/40pGABk4Yh

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) January 26, 2026

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