Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the festival at the Statue of Unity; Chanderi sarees, Gond paintings and traditional handicrafts highlight the state’s cultural diversity
Kevadia : Madhya Pradesh showcased its rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship and diverse tourism potential at Bharat Parv 2026, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Statue of Unity complex in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), Gujarat.
Organised to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bharat Parv celebrates India’s cultural diversity and national unity under the theme of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. The festival brings together States and Union Territories on a common platform to showcase their traditional art forms, folk performances, regional cuisines, handicrafts and tourism destinations.
Madhya Pradesh’s participation highlighted the state’s distinctive cultural identity through an impressive pavilion featuring traditional handicrafts, indigenous products and locally rooted tourism experiences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also visited pavilions and exhibition stalls representing various states during the inauguration.
Traditional Handicrafts and ODOP Products Take Centre Stage
The Madhya Pradesh Pavilion showcased several prominent products under the state’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. Key attractions included Budhni’s renowned lacquered wooden toys from Sehore district, traditional Zari-Zardozi craftsmanship from Bhopal, world-famous Chanderi sarees from Ashoknagar district and handcrafted banana fibre products from Burhanpur.
These indigenous products reflected the state’s rich artisanal traditions and the skills of its local communities, while offering visitors an opportunity to explore the craftsmanship and cultural legacy associated with different regions of Madhya Pradesh.
Live Demonstrations of Zari-Zardozi and Gond Painting Attract Visitors
Adding an interactive dimension to the pavilion, live demonstrations of traditional Zari-Zardozi embroidery and Gond painting emerged as key attractions.
Visitors witnessed the intricate techniques involved in Zari-Zardozi embroidery and the distinctive artistic expressions of Gond painting, known for its vibrant colours and nature-inspired motifs. The demonstrations offered a closer look at the creativity, craftsmanship and traditional knowledge passed down through generations of artisans. These cultural experiences also highlighted the potential of traditional art forms in strengthening experiential and cultural tourism.
Promoting Local Artisans and Tourism-Led Livelihoods
Madhya Pradesh’s participation at Bharat Parv 2026 provided an opportunity to position the state as a destination where heritage, culture, traditional art and tourism experiences come together. By bringing indigenous products and artisan communities into the national spotlight, the pavilion highlighted the importance of local craftsmanship and enterprises in supporting tourism-led livelihoods. The initiative also reinforced the vision of ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by promoting traditional products and encouraging greater appreciation of India’s indigenous industries.
Bharat Parv 2026 to Continue Until November 15
Bharat Parv 2026 will continue until November 15, bringing together the cultural traditions, handicrafts, regional cuisines, folk performances and tourism attractions of States and Union Territories. Madhya Pradesh’s participation is expected to enhance the state’s visibility as a tourism destination, generate wider interest in its heritage and cultural attractions, and encourage travellers to explore its diverse regional experiences.
The festival serves as an important national platform for celebrating India’s unity in diversity while strengthening cultural exchange and tourism opportunities across the country.
