Odisha will not be able to showcase its heritage and culture during the Republic Day parade this year after its tableau proposals were rejected by the selection committee.

The Republic Day parade in New Delhi offers an opportunity to the states to put their art and culture on display through tableaus.

The information and public relations department had invited proposals from artists for preparing tableaus for the state to be showcased during the Republic Day parade. “Initially eight proposals had been short-listed. After screening, we sent four proposals to Delhi. Later two proposals were sent to the Republic Day screening committee — one based on Jagannath culture (Nagarjuna Vesha — when the deities are dressed like warriors) and another on Buddhist culture. But they failed to impress the committee and Odisha lost the opportunity,” said a senior state government official.

The proposals sent by the state were selected by a committee comprising experts from BK College of Arts and Crafts, secretary of Odisha Lalit Kala Akademi, state archaeology department, director, culture, and officials from the information and public relations department.

Information and public relations director Krupasindhu Mishra said: “This time there are a number of restrictions due to Covid-19. The artists have put up their best effort. Perhaps they failed to give a good presentation before the selection committee. Many things such as colour combination and themes were taken into consideration by the selection committee during the presentation of the subject. There were times earlier when Odisha had failed to participate in the Republic Day parade. Next time we will certainly do better.”

Gajendra Prasad Sahoo, one the artists with an expertise in making tableaus, told The Telegraph: “This time we have involved a new generation of artists while preparing the proposals. We wanted to give them an exposure. Perhaps, they failed to rise to the expectation. Only through failures one can learn. Odisha will certainly do well next time.”

Last year, Odisha had showcased the Rukuna Rath Yatra of Lord Lingaraj during the parade. The tableau had replicated in miniature the art and architecture of the Lingaraj temple and Rukuna Rath. It had been adjudged the second best tableau and the accompanying cultural troupe had received the first prize.