PATNA, Jan. 23 -- From the ponds of Mithilanchal in Bihar to the global stage, the journey of superfood makhana (fox nut) will be showcased through a tableau at the Bharat Parv on the occasion of 77th Republic Day on January 26, 2026, said an official communique. The theme of the Bihar tableau is 'Makhana: Local se global ki thali me superfood'. It will be part of different tableaux from states at the Bharat Parv, organised by the defence ministry from January 23-31 at Red Fort to present India's cultural, economic and social diversity. "Bihar's tableau, in line with the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat', conveys the message that local livelihoods can be given a global identity through a confluence of tradition, hard work, and innovation," said a communique. The traditional cultivation of makhana includes the sowing of germinated seeds, labour-intensive manual harvesting form under water, sun drying, traditional popping processes for preparing edible puffed nutritious snacks, packaging and transportation. Bihar's Mithilanchal is the main producer of makhana and the state accounts for nearly 90% of the country's production. It involves traditional knowledge and labour, with women being the main workforce. In September 2025, PM Modi had launched the National Makhana Board in Purnea to boost the production, processing, and global branding of fox nuts. The government had approved a Rs.475 crore plan to support the sector, which provides income for farmers, accounting for bulk of India's production, to boost production and increase farmers' income. PM Modi has been consistently highlighting makhana as a nutritious "superfood" with high protein and minerals, mentioning in his speeches that he himself consumes makhana at least around 300 days a year. In March last year, makhana also formed part of the gifts he presented to Mauritius President Dharambeer Gokhool, during his state visit to the nation. "The Makhana Board will work continuously to ensure better prices for makhana farmers and to enhance the use of technology in the sector. The government has approved a plan worth nearly Rs.475 crore for the development of the makhana sector," he said in Purnea. The tableaux from 17 States and Union Territories will be presented this year at the Republic Day parade, alongside 13 from Central ministries, highlighting unity, self-reliance, and national progress through themes of "The Mantra Of Freedom - Vande Mataram" and "The Mantra Of Prosperity - Atma Nirbhar Bharat". Bihar's exhibit had marked its return to Kartavya Path after an eight-year gap at the 76th Republic Day parade in 2025 with a tableau highlighting the state's cultural heritage through the ruins of Nalanda University, a statue of Buddha in meditative Dharmachakra Mudra, and the Bodhi Tree. Related story on P5...