On January 30, 2026, the results of the nationwide public vote conducted on the MyGov platform for the Republic Day Parade 2026 tableaux were announced at the Defence Institute in Mahipalpur, New Delhi. Rajasthan's tableau, titled 'The Golden Touch of the Desert', secured the third position in the Popular Choice Award — with Gujarat in first place and Uttar Pradesh in second. The tableau was created by the Rajasthan Department of Art, Literature, and Culture and showcased the centuries-old Usta art tradition of Bikaner, renowned for its intricate gold inlay work, historically done on camel hide. The art form, which originated in Iran and flourished under Mughal patronage, found its home in Bikaner during the reign of Raja Rai Singh. Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary for Tourism, Art, Literature, and Culture, Rajasthan, stated that the tableau 'powerfully showcased how India's traditional arts continue to serve as a strong foundation of cultural pride, self-reliance, and soft power.' The award is a matter of pride for Bikaner's artisan community and places Rajasthan's intangible cultural heritage on the national stage. In the official Best Tableau category, Maharashtra was awarded first place. The Republic Day 2026 parade was themed around India's achievements and future aspirations.