Bharat Parv 2026 Celebrates India’s Cultural Diversity at Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar

Bharat Parv 2026, organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Gujarat Tourism and with the support of States and Union Territories, is underway at Ekta Nagar, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and diversity under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 30 as part of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations, the festival will continue until November 15.

The event brings together traditional arts, handicrafts, regional cuisines, folk traditions, music, dance and indigenous craftsmanship from across the country, offering visitors an opportunity to experience India’s cultural diversity at one venue.

A major attraction is the Theme Pavilion, which features participation from 29 States and Union Territories, Incredible India and Central Cottage Industries. It showcases more than 100 products under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, alongside traditional handicrafts, textiles, paintings, agricultural produce and other region-specific products.

The ODOP displays highlight the distinctive skills, craftsmanship and local specialities of participating regions. The festival provides a national platform for local products and artisans, helping enhance the visibility of traditional crafts and encourage appreciation of indigenous skills.

The Incredible India pavilion showcases the country’s heritage, culture and festivals through digital presentations.

Live demonstrations by traditional artisans are another key attraction, offering visitors a glimpse of indigenous craft techniques passed down through generations. These include mask-making from Assam, Madhubani painting and Sikki craft from Bihar, Rogan art and traditional paintings from Gujarat, bamboo art from Chhattisgarh, coir-product making from Kerala, Pattachitra painting and silver filigree from Odisha, Aipan painting and Ringaal basket weaving from Uttarakhand, and Sozni art from Jammu and Kashmir.

The festival also features folk and classical performances from across the country. These include Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Bihu and other folk dances from Assam, Garba from Gujarat, folk performances from Haryana, Tholpavakoothu from Kerala, Ravanhatta instrumental music from Rajasthan, traditional dance forms from Tamil Nadu, Santoor performances from Jammu and Kashmir, and Baul folk music and Purulia Chhau from West Bengal, among others.

Regional cuisine is another major draw, with a food court featuring traditional dishes from 23 States and Union Territories. A specially curated Studio Kitchen, managed by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), hosts demonstrations showcasing regional culinary practices and traditional food preparation techniques.

The food court also features cultural performances every day from 5 pm to 8 pm, with artists from 10 States presenting their music and dance traditions.

Beyond celebrating cultural diversity, Bharat Parv provides a platform for regional products, indigenous art forms, artisans, craftspeople and performing artists to reach wider audiences. It also highlights the role of local traditions, crafts and cuisine in enriching tourism experiences and showcasing the cultural identities of different regions.

The festival seeks to strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ by promoting cultural exchange, national integration and the idea of unity in diversity. It will remain open to visitors at Ekta Nagar until November 15.

-PIB

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