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Bharat Parv 2026 at Ekta Nagar Showcases India’s Cultural Heritage, Regional Cuisines and Tourism Potential

Ministry of Tourism's festival runs until 15 November in Gujarat, bringing together 29 States and Union Territories through ODOP products, traditional handicrafts, folk performances and regional food experiences Key Highlights: Bharat Parv 2026 was inaugurated by Prime

Ministry of Tourism’s festival runs until 15 November in Gujarat, bringing together 29 States and Union Territories through ODOP products, traditional handicrafts, folk performances and regional food experiences

Key Highlights:

  • Bharat Parv 2026 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30 October during Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.
  • Festival organised by the Ministry of Tourism in partnership with Gujarat Tourism at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
  • 29 States and Union Territories participating in the Theme Pavilion.
  • More than 100 One District One Product (ODOP) items showcased.
  • Food Court features regional cuisines and traditional delicacies from 23 States and Union Territories.
  • Studio Kitchen managed by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) showcases traditional culinary practices.
  • Festival continues until 15 November 2026 under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

Bharat Parv 2026 Brings India’s Cultural and Culinary Diversity to Ekta Nagar

Bharat Parv 2026 is bringing India’s cultural heritage, regional cuisines, traditional handicrafts and performing arts together at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, offering visitors an immersive experience of the country’s diverse traditions.

Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in partnership with Gujarat Tourism and supported by States and Union Territories, the festival was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 30 October 2026 as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. Running until 15 November 2026, the event is being organised under the theme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

The festival provides a national platform for showcasing India’s regional identities through traditional arts, textiles, handicrafts, food, music and dance, while highlighting the connection between cultural heritage and tourism.

29 States and UTs Showcase More Than 100 ODOP Products

A major attraction of Bharat Parv 2026 is its Theme Pavilion, featuring participation from 29 States and Union Territories, Incredible India and Central Cottage Industries.

The pavilion showcases more than 100 One District One Product (ODOP) items, including traditional handicrafts, textiles, paintings, agricultural produce and other distinctive regional products.

The exhibits highlight India’s indigenous craftsmanship and local manufacturing traditions, providing visibility to regional artisans and encouraging visitors to explore products associated with different destinations.

The Incredible India pavilion also uses digital interventions to showcase India’s heritage, festivals and cultural attractions.

Traditional Handicrafts and Live Artisan Demonstrations

Live demonstrations by traditional artisans are among the festival’s key attractions, allowing visitors to experience indigenous art forms and craftsmanship firsthand.

Featured demonstrations include:

  • Assam: Traditional mask-making.
  • Bihar: Madhubani painting and Sikki craft.
  • Gujarat: Rogan art and traditional paintings.
  • Chhattisgarh: Bamboo art.
  • Kerala: Coir-product making.
  • Odisha: Pattachitra painting and silver filigree.
  • Uttarakhand: Aipan painting and Ringaal basket weaving.
  • Jammu and Kashmir: Sozni art.

These demonstrations offer visitors an opportunity to understand traditional techniques and indigenous knowledge passed down through generations, while providing artisans with a platform to promote their work to wider audiences.

Folk Music and Dance Performances Highlight India’s Cultural Diversity

Bharat Parv 2026 also features cultural performances representing the folk and classical traditions of different States and Union Territories.

The programme includes Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, Bihu from Assam, Garba from Gujarat, Tholpavakoothu from Kerala, Ravanhatta instrumental music from Rajasthan, traditional dance forms from Tamil Nadu, Santoor performances from Jammu and Kashmir, and Baul folk music and Purulia Chhau from West Bengal.

The performances bring regional artistic traditions to a common platform, adding to the festival’s appeal as a cultural tourism experience.

Regional Food Court and Studio Kitchen Promote India’s Culinary Heritage

Regional cuisine is another major attraction at Bharat Parv 2026, with the Food Court featuring traditional delicacies and culinary specialities from 23 States and Union Territories.

A specially curated Studio Kitchen, managed by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), is further strengthening the food experience through demonstrations of regional culinary practices and traditional food preparation techniques.

The Food Court also hosts daily cultural performances from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, featuring artists from 10 States each day. The combination of regional food, music and dance creates an integrated cultural and culinary experience for visitors.

The initiative highlights the importance of traditional cuisine as an essential component of India’s tourism identity and provides an opportunity to introduce visitors to the country’s diverse food traditions.

Impact on Hospitality, Food and Travel & Tourism

Bharat Parv 2026 has significant relevance for India’s hospitality and tourism industry, particularly in the areas of cultural tourism, culinary experiences, local entrepreneurship and destination promotion.

1. Boost to cultural and heritage tourism: The festival brings together art, crafts, music and dance from across India at one destination. Such events can encourage domestic tourists to explore regional traditions and extend their interest to other heritage and cultural destinations.

2. Opportunities for the food and beverage industry: The participation of 23 States and Union Territories in the Food Court creates visibility for regional cuisines. Hotels, restaurants, catering companies and food entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from traditional recipes and regional ingredients to develop destination-specific food experiences.

3. Culinary tourism promotion: The NCHMCT-managed Studio Kitchen introduces visitors to traditional cooking methods and regional food preparation. This reinforces the role of culinary heritage in destination marketing and experiential tourism.

4. Business opportunities for hotels and restaurants: Large cultural festivals can generate demand for accommodation, food services, catering, local transport and other visitor-related services. The event also offers hospitality businesses an opportunity to connect with regional food and craft suppliers.

5. Promotion of local artisans and indigenous products: The ODOP showcase and live craft demonstrations provide exposure to traditional products, potentially supporting artisan-led enterprises, souvenir businesses and local retail opportunities.

6. Strengthening Ekta Nagar as a tourism destination: Hosting a national-level cultural festival enhances Ekta Nagar’s profile as a destination for cultural events and visitor experiences, complementing Gujarat’s broader tourism offerings.

Bharat Parv Reinforces India’s Cultural Tourism Potential

Bharat Parv 2026 demonstrates how cultural festivals can bring together tourism, hospitality, food, traditional craftsmanship and performing arts on a common platform.

By showcasing more than 100 ODOP products, regional cuisines from 23 States and Union Territories, and diverse folk and classical performances, the festival provides visitors with a broad experience of India’s cultural identity.

The event also highlights the economic and tourism value of preserving indigenous art forms, supporting local artisans and promoting regional food traditions.

With the festival continuing until 15 November 2026, Bharat Parv reinforces the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ while positioning cultural diversity as an important component of India’s domestic tourism and hospitality growth.

komal.hospi@gmail.com

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