Assam and the wider Northeastern region came into sharp national focus during the 77th Republic Day celebrations as the State’s tableau, themed “Asharikandi – Terracotta Craft Village of Assam”, rolled down Kartavya Path on January 26, 2026.

Selected among 30 tableaux (17 from States and Union Territories and 13 from Ministries and Services) by the Ministry of Defence, Assam’s tableau aligned with the 2026 themes “Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram” and “Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, linking cultural pride with self-reliance.

What is Asharikandi?

• Asharikandi (Madaikhali), located in Dhubri district, is India’s largest and most renowned terracotta craft village.
• For over a century, generations of artisan families have preserved this indigenous clay craft, sustaining livelihoods through traditional skills.
• The main raw material for pottery and terracotta craft is Hiramati, a special type of soil.
• Artistic skill, quality of Hiramati, climatic condition and age-old tradition of Kumbhakaras (potters), has enabled them to retain a separate identity of Asharikandi- style of Terracotta. 
• The connection with the river Brahmaputra through the Gadadhar, a tributary of mighty Brahmaputra, gives the place an advantage for marketing network with the major cities. 
• Earlier, the needs of the Jamindar (Royal) family for ware and utensils of everyday-use were catered from this area since this potter-community migrated to this place.
• Asharikandi’s terracotta craft gained national attention when Sarala Bala Devi, a local artisan, received the President’s Award for her ‘Hatima Doll’ in 1982. 
  • Her son Dhirendra Nath Paul is also a master Terracotta artist who received the Assam Gaurav Award in 2024.

Key Features of the Tableau

• An imposing terracotta doll holding earthen lamps symbolised light, tradition and continuity.
• Bamboo fencing highlighted Assam’s bamboo heritage and its role in sustainable rural economy.
• The trailer took the form of a Moyurponkhi boat, reflecting Assam’s riverine identity.
• Artisans were shown shaping Hiramati (clay) into divine figures, depicting the creative and spiritual process.
• Women artisans in Mekhela Chador, singing folk verses, conveyed pride, confidence and the journey towards self-reliance.

Exam Hook – 

Consider the following statements:

1. Asharikandi is a major terracotta craft village located in Dhubri district of Assam.
2. Republic Day tableaux are selected and coordinated by the Ministry of Defence.
3. The theme “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” focuses exclusively on industrial manufacturing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: 1 and 2 only

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