Ekta Nagar: More than 25,000 people visited ‘Bharat Parv 2026’ at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity, between November 1 and 3, as the 15-day event brings together the traditional crafts, regional cuisines and cultural performances of states and Union Territories from across the country.
Organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism in association with Gujarat Tourism, the festival will continue until November 15, showcasing India’s cultural diversity under the theme of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
Tourism pavilions set up by various states and Union Territories are displaying popular destinations, traditional art forms, handicrafts and handloom products.
The exhibits include Sambalpuri sarees, Pattachitra paintings, applique work and silver filigree from Odisha; Muga silk and Mekhela-Chadar from Assam; Madhubani paintings, Bhagalpur silk and Sikki grass craft from Bihar; and Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees and Gond art from Madhya Pradesh.
Other highlights include Pashmina and Kani shawls from Jammu and Kashmir, Pochampally Ikat sarees from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat’s Patola, Pithora art and Ajrakh printing.
Bamboo crafts from Chhattisgarh and shell art products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also on display.
Artisans are conducting live demonstrations to familiarise visitors with traditional craft-making techniques.
The pavilions also allow visitors to purchase handicrafts and handloom products directly from participating artisans and exhibitors.
Food is another major attraction, with 25 stalls representing states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Sikkim, Assam, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Gujarat.
The stalls offer regional specialities such as 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.
Studio Kitchens operated by IIHM Shimla and IIHM Gandhinagar are also holding daily live demonstrations of Indian cuisines, giving visitors an opportunity to watch the preparation of regional dishes and learn about the country’s culinary traditions.
The festival also features cultural performances every evening by artists from different states, presenting folk music, traditional dances and other regional art forms. Meanwhile, the Statue of Unity will remain open on Monday, November 9, in view of Bharat Parv and the Diwali vacation.
However, the viewing gallery will remain closed on the day. The additional opening is intended to provide tourists and families with another opportunity to visit the monument during the holiday period.
Bharat Parv 2026 will continue at Ekta Nagar until November 15, with tourism exhibitions, handicraft displays, food stalls, culinary demonstrations and cultural performances.
(IANS)
