The decks are cleared for Telangana, the youngest State in the Indian Republic, to showcase ‘Bonalu’ in the form of a tableau at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on January 26. The last time an Andhra Pradesh tableau was seen at the parade was about seven years ago with ‘Bathukamma’ as the theme.

An artist with about three decades of experience, M.V. Ramana Reddy, has been bestowed the distinction of designing the tableau. He has been invited to present his design at New Delhi on January 3, 2015 before the 13-member committee. When asked to how he zeroed in on the subject, Mr. Reddy said ‘Bonalu’ was topical for more than one reason and hence the proposal was sent to the Ministry for Defence.

The ‘Bonalu’ tableau would have two ‘Potharajus’ and seven others on the tableau, including musicians and those who would be in a ‘sigam’ (trance). Over a dozen others would probably be dancing before the tableau, he said. ‘Potharaju’ according to tradition is considered a protector of the weaker sections and particularly of women.

“Considering the increasing instances of atrocities against women, I thought it would be appropriate. I have tried to showcase the true culture and tradition of Telangana on the tableau and I hope it is approved,” he said. The live performers before the tableau would include musicians playing the ‘punga’, ‘dappu’, ‘pagadam’, ‘thasha’ and a sorcerer who cast spells on people.

Mr. Reddy said Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao had as early as on October 15 written to Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, who was handling the portfolio before Manohar Parrikar, urging the Ministry to permit the 29 State of India to present its cultural tableau. The artist said that others who had put in their efforts included Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya and MPs Kavita and Jitender Reddy.

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