West Bengal has won the best tableau award at this year's Republic Day Parade while Tamil Nadu and Assam came in second and third, it was announced here Tuesday.

 

 Showcasing the spirit of "Purulia Chhau", the ministry of defence adjudged the West Bengal tableau the best of the total of 18 tableaux that rolled down Rajpath Jan 26.

 

 The award will be presented to the additional chief secretary and principal resident commissioner of the state, Bhaskar Khulbe, Jan 31.

 

 "Embodying the rich cultural heritage of West Bengal, 'Purulia Chhau', a mask dance performed in certain areas of the state has a distinctive character of its own and has received international acclaim in recent years for its vigour and perfection," a statement by the West Bengal government said.

 

 Vigorous somersaults, circular movements and forceful leaps constitute the energetic dance that traces its origin to a warrior tribe. It draws episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.

 

 It also portrayed Lord Kartikeya and the artistes enacted the "Mahishasur Mardini" — symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

 

 The Tamil Nadu tableau was on Pongal festival while Assam paid tributes to its iconic artiste and Padma Vibhusan award winner Bhupen Hazarika, depicting his achievements in the field of cinema, music, culture and literature.

 

 In the category of performances by school children, the Navy Children School, Chanakyapuri, won the top spot while a consolation prize was awarded to Government Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Hastsal, for their portrayal of traditional folk dance of Chhattisgarh.

 

 The tableau by the Central Public Works Department won a special prize for the floral depiction of Rajpath.