The Indian Navy was awarded the best marching contingent among the three armed forces at this year's Republic Day Parade, officials announced. The Navy's 144-member team marched strongly on Kartavya Path, showing it as a next-level maritime force. Delhi Police won the best marching contingent for Central Armed Police Forces. Maharashtra topped the States and Union Territories category with a beautiful Ganeshotsav tableau. It mixed modern and traditional art and featured women dancers performing the folk Lezim dance, dressed in traditional clothes. Jammu and Kashmir took second place and Kerala came third. The Culture Ministry won the top spot among ministries with a tableau celebrating 150 years of the patriotic song 'Vande Mataram.' Their display showed the song's history, including its composer Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, historic recordings, and a group of 'Gen Z' artists singing it today. The tableau also featured folk artists in colorful costumes and a giant image of Bharat Mata holding the Indian flag. A special prize went to the Central Public Works Department for its floral float on 'Vande Mataram' and to a dance group named 'Vande Mataram: The Eternal Resonance of India.' In the Popular Choice Awards, decided by online voting, the Assam Regiment won best marching contingent among the armed forces, and CRPF ranked top among CAPFs. Gujarat took the lead among states/UTs for its 'Mantra of Swadeshi-Self-Reliance-Freedom: Vande Mataram' tableau, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Department of School Education and Literacy's tableau on the National Education Policy was the favorite among central ministries by public vote. The winners will receive their awards on January 30 at Rashtriya Rangshala Camp.