Bhubaneswar: After a gap of two years, Odisha is all set to display its tableau depicting Odia 'Sadhab Pua's trade affairs or the rich maritime tradition of ancient Odisha on Delhi Rajpath on the occasion of Republic Day parade next week.
The model has been designed under the supervision of Gajendra Sahoo, a faculty member of BK College of art and craft. "As many as 18 sculptors have been engaged in preparing the giant boat at Delhi cantonment. We have high expectation that our project will fetch award this year", Sahoo said.
While the 45 feet long structure has been built with iron, other materials like waterproof-ply, thermocol, pine wood and fibre have also been used, he added.
The front portion of the 14-ft wide and 16-ft high boat is shaped like a swan and it will be shown as floating on sea waves. As many as 10 artistes from Odisha will be dressed up as ‘Sadhaba Pua’ and seated on the boat during the parade.
The State government has spent an amount of Rs 16 lakh for the preparation of the project. The organisers are optimistic of an award this year.
"The viewers will get a chance to have a glimpse of the rich maritime trade history of ancient Odisha through our tableau on the Republic Day. We will showcase the 'Sadhab Pua's overseas journey to through our model and hope it will be appreciated by all”, said Tapan Das, Public Relation Officer (PRO) to Resident Commissioner of Odisha.
Back in 2013, the State had presented Lord Jagannath’s Chandan Yatra in the Parade. In 2007, the Odisha tableau depicting the rapid strides made by the coastal State and was adjudged the best in the parade. Odisha had also bagged best music and best fabrication award then.