New Delhi | Bharat Parv 2026, the six-day national cultural and tourism festival organised by the Ministry of Tourism, concluded at the lawns and Gyan Path in front of the Red Fort, transforming the historic precinct into a vibrant celebration of India’s living heritage. Held from January 26 to 31 as part of Republic Day celebrations, the festival showcased the country’s cultural, artistic, culinary and spiritual diversity while promoting the initiatives Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and Dekho Apna Desh.
This year’s edition carried special significance as it marked 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, first published by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1875 and later set to music by Rabindranath Tagore. The theme reflected the revolutionary spirit behind India’s freedom movement and the constitutional ethos of unity in diversity.
A major attraction was the close-up display of 41 Republic Day tableaux, representing States, Union Territories and Central Ministries, allowing visitors to engage with the narratives of culture, sustainability, innovation and social progress beyond Kartavya Path. Across multiple stages, 48 cultural performances, complemented by 22 performances by Armed Forces and paramilitary bands, brought folk, classical and patriotic traditions alive each evening.
The festival’s expansive food court, with over 60 stalls, served as a culinary map of India—featuring millet-based dishes, tribal cuisines and regional favourites—while live demonstrations highlighted sustainable food practices. The handicrafts and handloom bazaar, comprising 102 stalls, along with 34 State and UT tourism pavilions and 24 Central Ministry stalls, showcased traditional crafts, textiles, destinations and public initiatives through interactive displays.
Designed as a participatory platform, Bharat Parv 2026 encouraged hands-on engagement through children’s zones, quizzes, street plays, digital exhibits and public awareness activities. The closing ceremony on January 31, attended by the Vice President of India as Chief Guest, underscored the festival’s national importance. As it concluded, Bharat Parv once again reaffirmed culture as the heartbeat of the Republic, offering visitors a tangible connection to India’s shared heritage.
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