Bharat Parv 2024: A dazzling show of cultural splendour and diversity

The annual ‘Bharat Parv’ event, organised by the Centre since 2016, highlights India’s diversity through Republic Day tableaux and cultural exhibitions.

Extended from six to nine days this year due to its growing popularity, the event at Lawns and Gyan Path near the Red Fort plays a significant role in the January 26 celebrations.

Featuring themes from 26 ministries, including Mission Life, Dekho Apna Desh, and Nari Shakti, the 2024 Bharat Parv showcased India’s richness through tableaux, craft bazaars, food courts, cultural programs, and more.

Gujarat’s tableau, focussed on Dhordo village as a tourism destination, was the standout, while Jammu and Kashmir’s display of Jambu Zoo and handicrafts garnered attention.

“For the first time, each state had a pavilion under the Dekho Apna Desh Program, promoting tourism and showcasing unique heritage,” said Sunil Kumar of Haryana Tourism, highlighting the inaugural promotion of Surajkund Mela and emphasising the campaign’s continuity.

Craft bazaars from Puducherry, Tripura, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh drew praise, with Puducherry’s jute items gaining popularity.

Overwhelmed by the positive response, Jessindha Pradier from Puducherry’s stall for handmade cotton and jute bags, said, “People are in love with our products.”

Compared to previous years, revenues for Jessindha, who has been taking part in the Parv for three years now, significantly increased, reaching over Rs 8,000, against earlier sales of just Rs 2,000.

Live demonstrations of food preparation and cultural performances added vibrancy to the event.

However, some stall owners expressed disappointment.

Prem Singh from J&K and Seema Ali from Insha e Noor organisation, mentioned a lower sales turnout and less appreciation from the crowd.

Singh attributed this to a preference for machine work over “expensive” handmade items. Meanwhile, Seema highlighted that only those selling small and affordable items like bags and toys “seemed to be benefiting”.

A sizeable crowd gathered around food stalls, relishing street delicacies from diverse states. Live demonstrations featuring south Indian and street foods captured the most attention.

Adding vibrant cultural hues to the event was a qawwali program, cultural dance shows from different states, a street play by a Rajasthani dance group, and live stunts with fire performed by Haryana’s strongmen.

Unique initiatives included stalls selling products made by Tihar Jail prisoners, showcasing of wooden artefacts and jute bags.

Mahesh Chand, a stall supervisor, shared with Patriot that this initiative has been ongoing for years, offering prisoners a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills and boost morale.

First-time visitor Fehmina, attending with her sisters, expressed delight in the diverse offerings at Bharat Parv — food, dance, shows, crafts, and more. Fehmina was captivated by the live tableaux from the Republic Day Parade, an experience she found amazing since childhood.

Savneet Kaur, a Delhi resident and a regular Bharat Parv attendee, revealed that she visits almost every year because her children love it. The tableaux and small performances in the yard, including dance, nukkad-natak, and stunts, are particularly attractive for her children, making the event a cherished annual experience.