Ekta Nagar (Gujarat) [India], November 4 (ANI): Bharat Parv 2026, a celebration of India's cultural diversity and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', has attracted more than 25,000 visitors in its first three days at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity.
According to Gujarat Tourism, the festival is being organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with Gujarat Tourism from November 1 to 15.
It brings together India's diverse tourism destinations, traditional crafts, regional cuisines and cultural performances on a common platform.
Tourism pavilions representing various states and Union Territories are showcasing their prominent destinations, indigenous handicrafts, handloom products and traditional art forms. Visitors can explore a wide range of regional crafts, including Sambalpuri sarees and Pattachitra paintings from Odisha, Muga silk and Mekhela-Chadar from Assam, Madhubani paintings from Bihar, Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees from Madhya Pradesh, Pashmina and Kani shawls from Jammu and Kashmir, and Pochampally Ikat sarees from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Gujarat's Patola, Pithora art and Ajrakh printing are also among the attractions, alongside bamboo crafts from Chhattisgarh and shell art products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Live demonstrations by artisans are offering visitors an opportunity to witness traditional craft-making techniques and purchase authentic products directly from the participating pavilions.
The culinary section, featuring 25 food stalls representing different states, is providing visitors with a taste of India's regional cuisines. The menu includes Litti Chokha and Thekua from Bihar, Dal Baati and Pyaz Kachori from Rajasthan, Gajak and Ratlam Sev from Madhya Pradesh, Jhalmuri and Patisapta Pitha from West Bengal, Veg Momo and Sel Roti from Sikkim, and Nadru Yakhni and Zafrani Kahwa from Kashmir.
Adding to the food experience, Studio Kitchens operated by IIHM Shimla and IIHM Gandhinagar are conducting daily live demonstrations of Indian cuisines, highlighting traditional recipes and regional cooking practices.
Cultural performances by artists from different states are being organised every evening, featuring folk music, traditional dances and other cultural expressions, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Gujarat Tourism said the festival aims to promote tourism, encourage cultural exchange and provide a platform for India's traditional artisans, craftspeople and regional culinary traditions.
In another development, the Statue of Unity will remain open on Monday, November 9, in view of the Diwali vacation and Bharat Parv celebrations. However, the viewing gallery will remain closed on that day, the press release stated.
Bharat Parv 2026 will continue at Ekta Nagar until November 15, inviting tourists and families to experience India's cultural richness, traditional craftsmanship and culinary diversity at one destination. (ANI)
Bharat Parv 2026 draws over 25,000 visitors in first three days at Ekta Nagar
