Bharat Parv 2026 at Ekta Nagar, near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, drew more than 25,000 visitors in its opening three days — from 1 to 3 November — as the 15-day cultural festival brings together traditional crafts, regional cuisines and performing arts from states and Union Territories across India. Organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism in association with Gujarat Tourism, the event runs until 15 November 2026 under the theme 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

A Showcase of India's Craft Traditions

Tourism pavilions erected by participating states and Union Territories are displaying a wide range of traditional art forms, handicrafts and handloom products. Highlights from Odisha include Sambalpuri sarees, Pattachitra paintings, applique work and silver filigree, while Assam is represented by Muga silk and Mekhela-Chadar weaves. Bihar's pavilion features Madhubani paintings, Bhagalpur silk and Sikki grass craft.

Madhya Pradesh showcases Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees alongside Gond art, while Jammu and Kashmir presents Pashmina and Kani shawls. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are spotlighting Pochampally Ikat sarees, and Gujarat's own offerings include Patola fabric, Pithora art and Ajrakh printing. Bamboo crafts from Chhattisgarh and shell art products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands round out the display.

Notably, artisans are conducting live demonstrations throughout the festival, allowing visitors to observe traditional craft-making techniques first-hand and purchase products directly from the makers.

Food Stalls and Culinary Demonstrations

Food is a central attraction, with 25 stalls representing states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Sikkim, Assam, Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Gujarat. Regional specialities on offer range from Litti Chokha and Thekua from Bihar and Dal Baati and Pyaz Kachori from Rajasthan, to 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 holding daily live demonstrations of Indian cuisines, giving visitors an opportunity to watch regional dishes being prepared and to learn about the country's culinary traditions.

Evening Cultural Performances

Every evening, artists from different states present folk music, traditional dances and other regional art forms, reinforcing the festival's broad cultural mandate. This comes amid a wider push by the Ministry of Tourism to position heritage destinations as domestic tourism anchors during the festive season.

Statue of Unity Opening on November 9

In a related announcement, the Statue of Unity will remain open on Monday, 9 November, in view of Bharat Parv and the Diwali vacation period. However, the viewing gallery will remain closed on that day. The additional opening is intended to give tourists and families an extra opportunity to visit the monument during the holiday.

What's Ahead

Bharat Parv 2026 continues at Ekta Nagar until 15 November, with tourism exhibitions, handicraft displays, food stalls, culinary demonstrations and cultural performances scheduled across the remaining days. With footfall already crossing 25,000 in just three days, organisers are expecting significantly higher numbers as the Diwali holiday period deepens.