'Bharat Parv' to be held at Red Fort from January 26-31, see tableaux, performances

New Delhi: The government will host the annual 'Bharat Parv', a six-day national cultural and tourism festival, from January 26 at the Red Fort lawns as part of the Republic Day celebrations, officials said on Sunday.

It will be inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the tourism ministry said.

'Bharat Parv' is the ministry’s flagship annual event celebrating India’s rich cultural, artistic, culinary and spiritual heritage while promoting the national initiatives 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' and 'Dekho Apna Desh'.

Over the years, the festival has evolved into a major platform showcasing India’s unity in diversity and tourism potential, officials said.

The festival aims to highlight India’s diverse cultural heritage, encourage domestic tourism, provide a platform for artisans and states, Union Territories, promote tourism awareness, and strengthen national integration through cultural participation, they said.

Major attractions of this year's festival include a display of 41 tableaux, various cultural performances, and shows by military and paramilitary bands, handicraft stalls and state tourism pavilions.

Bihar will celebrate the makhana industry through its thematic tableau, among other states. A grand food court with 60 stalls showcasing cuisines from across India and live cooking demonstrations is also a major attraction.

The event will see participation from states and Union Territories, over 25 central ministries and departments, and leading institutions and organisations from across the country, the ministry said in a statement.

The festival will be open to the public from 5-9 pm on January 25, and from 12 noon to 9 pm from January 27-31. The entry of visitors is free of cost, it said.

This year’s 'Bharat Parv' holds special significance as it marks 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” the iconic song that inspired India’s freedom movement and symbolises unity, cultural pride and love for the motherland.

The theme reflects the constitutional spirit of unity in diversity and people’s participation, the ministry said.

'Bharat Parv' is expected to draw large public participation and serve as a vibrant celebration of India's heritage, tourism potential and democratic spirit, it said.