Karnataka’s tableau at the 66th Republic Day parade in New Delhi, featuring traditional toys of Channapatna, will occupy a pride of place — just after the defence tableau, which leads the parade.
According to N. Vishu Kumar, Director, Information, though, the Karnataka government made an attempt to project the toys seven years ago to showcase the pride and fame of Channapatna, which is facing challenge from the modern toy industry, the idea was rejected then. “We finally succeeded in projecting Channapatna toys this time, thanks to Shashidhara Adapa whose miniature impressed the selection committee,” Mr. Kumar said.
Over 100 artisans are working overnight to give final shape to the 45-foot-long tableau, and the colourful toy show will hit Rajpath on Friday morning for the dress rehearsal. It will have 42 toys, heights ranging from four to 10 feet. Four big ones will be battery-operated.
U.S. President Barack Obama is the chief guest at this event.
Michelle Obama, who had accompanied Mr. Obama during his visit to the country in 2010, was impressed with the toys and had bought some of them in Delhi.
