Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bharat Parv 2026 at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, bringing together India’s diverse cultural traditions, artistic heritage and indigenous craftsmanship on a common platform. The festival was inaugurated at the Statue of Unity complex ahead of the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Organised around the themes of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and ‘Shakti of Bharat’, the festival aims to showcase India’s cultural richness while promoting national unity and the country’s traditional arts and crafts.
During his visit, the Prime Minister toured several state pavilions displaying the cultural heritage, handicrafts and traditional products of different regions. He also admired a floral rangoli featuring the words ‘BHARAT PARV 2026’, created entirely using flowers.
Modi interacted with artisans involved in traditional handicrafts and handloom activities, learning about their skills, craftsmanship and products. His interaction highlighted the importance of supporting India’s traditional artisans and providing greater visibility to indigenous industries.
Scheduled to take place from November 1 to 15, Bharat Parv 2026 will feature around 5,000 artists presenting folk dances, traditional music and regional art forms from across the country. The festival will offer visitors an opportunity to experience India’s cultural diversity through performances and exhibitions representing different states and Union Territories.
Pavilions showcasing handicrafts, handloom products and regional cuisines from Gujarat, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Meghalaya will form an important part of the celebrations.
The festival also aims to advance the vision of ‘Culture to Commerce’ by connecting traditional artistic skills with wider markets and encouraging the promotion of indigenous products. Through its focus on local craftsmanship, Bharat Parv is expected to support the Vocal for Local initiative and strengthen the visibility of Indian artisans and their products.
Set against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity, the event seeks to present India’s ‘Unity in Diversity’ through cultural performances, traditional exhibitions and regional experiences. It is expected to attract tourists and visitors from different parts of the country.
The Ekta Nagar festival is separate from the annual Bharat Parv organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism at the Red Fort in New Delhi every January.
Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had announced that Bharat Parv would be organised annually at the Statue of Unity on October 31, coinciding with Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
With its combination of cultural performances, traditional exhibitions and artisan participation, Bharat Parv 2026 seeks to celebrate India’s heritage while creating opportunities to promote indigenous products and preserve the country’s diverse artistic traditions.
