Under attack for “reflecting foreign Muslim and European influences” in the Jammu and Kashmir’s tableau during the Republic Day parade in New Delhi, artist Balwant Thakur on Thursday (January 29, 2026) said blaming art or artists and turning a national achievement into a platform for political score-settling was unfair and unwarranted.
“Unfortunately, a few ill-informed voices have chosen to politicise this rare achievement by alleging regional bias. It is important to place facts on record. A tableau is a visual narrative, created within a strict time frame of about 45 seconds, built around a single theme. To make an impact, only one aspect of one subject can be highlighted,” Mr. Thakur, who served as Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for eight years, said.
This year’s J&K tableau showcased a large houseboat with iconic handicrafts on display, including Samovar (used to prepare local tea), Pashmina weaving, walnut wood carving, carpet weaving, papier-mâché, copperware and Basohli miniature paintings. Besides, a Dogra Chhajja performance, Rouf, Kud, Jagarna, Pahari, Gojri, and Dumhal were also performed.
The design and concept earned J&K the second position at the national level.
