‘Bhartat Parv’ Inaugurated At India Gate Lawns by Shri Manohar Parikkar
Week Long Festivities Aim to Generate a Patriotic Mood & Promote Rich Cultural Diversity of the Country
Shri Manohar Parikkar, Defence Minister inaugurated the week long “Bharat Parv” organized by the Government of India at the Rajpath Lawns, India Gate, New Delhi here today as part of the Independence Day 2016 Celebrations. Shri M. Venkiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Urban Development, Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation presided over the inaugural function in the presence of Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Tourism & Culture.
In his inaugural address, Shri Manohar Parikkar said that the Ministry of Tourism has done a commendable job by organizing such a unique programme showcasing the ‘Unity in Diversity’ of our country. He wished the week long ‘Bharat Parv’ a grand success.
Shri M. Venkiah Naidu in his address said that we have to preserve the rich cultural heritage of our ancestors because the Indian Culture is one of the oldest culture in the world. Having age old traditions, we have a lot of tourism potentials in our country. We have to recall the great memories of all our freedom fighters. He said that our message is “India is one nation”.
Addressing on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that the Bharat Parv is a seven day cultural extravaganza at the Rajpath Lawns showcasing the diverse culture, cuisine and handicrafts of the nation. He called upon the people to celebrate the life and spirit of India on this Independence Day.
Later on a number of tri-color balloons were flown away by all the Minister’s present on this occasion.
Static Bands of Army, Navy and Air Force performed on the Rajpath. The artists of North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) displayed cultural performances on Pan India basis.
This event has been organized from 12th to 18th August 2016 and the prime objective of organizing the event is to generate a patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country and to ensure wider participation of the general public. The Event is open to the public and entry is free. However, identity proof is to be carried for entry.
The Ministry of Tourism is designated as the nodal Ministry for the event, the highlights of which include Performances by the Armed Forces Bands (static and moving), a Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Crafts Mela, Cultural Performances from different regions of the country including Delhi based cultural organizations and associations of various states and a Photo Exhibition by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
The Cultural Performances include choreographed Folk / Tribal Dances and Music arranged through the North Zonal Cultural Centre as well as performances by cultural troupes from the different States/ UTs of the country. The Food Court has 50 stalls set up by the States / UTs, National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) showcasing street food from different regions as well as by the Institutes of Hotel Management and ITDC. The Crafts Mela with 50 stalls showcases the diverse handicrafts of the country, arranged by the State Governments and Ministry of Textiles through the Office of the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts. There are 17 Theme State Pavilions where each State would showcase their achievements and initiatives, tourism products and destinations, etc. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has set up “Azadi 70 Saal- Yaad Karo Kurbani” – a Photo Exhibition on the occasion of 70th Independence Day celebrations.
The participating States and Union Territories in the Event are Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu and Dadra – Nagar Haveli, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh
