A mélange of India’s rich culture, tradition and history

 Marking the celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation- Mahatma Gandhi, the fourth edition of ‘Bharat Parv’ 2019 showcasing the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat’ is being observed at the backdrop of the iconic Red Fort in the national capital that is witnessing huge turnout of visitors from nook and corner of the country. 

The festival showcases a tremendous display of India’s rich cultural heritage. Along with the other states, the eight north-eastern states also showcased their strength, along with its tourism products. 

It is not only a cultural amalgamation of all the states under one roof but a step towards maintaining unity, peace and integrity among all the states. The event is aimed at highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and different states of the northeast region. 

The major highlights of this year are a replica of the Statue of Unity created by sculptor Shri Ram Vanji Suttar and a Gandhi Gram, in which 10 painting artists will create paintings on the theme of 'Ideology of Mahatma Gandhi. The Bharat Parv also brought together the diverse handloom and the handicrafts being showcased by different states of the country. 

Handloom and handicraft products ranging from bamboo made items, tribal handloom products such as naga coats, shawls from Nagaland, hand woven mekhela chador from Assam and other items from the State of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim are on display in the craft mela being arranged by the State governments and Ministry of Textiles. 

A total of 50 stalls of different states including Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Punjab to name a few are put up. The Parv is also hosting Themed State Pavilions where each State showcases its strength along with its tourism products. 

Various organic products including Kehwa from Kashmir, dry fruivts, organic items including various local products including pickles, tea leaves etc, from the state of Nagaland are other highlights of this year's event are a display of the Republic Day parade tableaux, performances by the armed forces bands (static as well as dynamic), and a photo exhibition by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP). 

The event also includes IRCTC's promotions on special tourist trains and 'Jago Grahak Jago' Consumer Awareness campaign. It also aims to facilitate an exhibition-cum-sale of crafts items. 

One of the major highlights among the many tableaus of the northeast region is the Assam tableau depicting the handloom of the state inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. ‘Bharat Parv’ is organised every year by the Tourism Ministry in collaboration with other central ministries and state governments as a part of the Republic Day celebrations. 

 - Chandrakala Choudhury