As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the Union government is organising 'Bharat Parv' at the Rajpath Lawns, India Gate from August 12-18. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar will inaugurate the event at 5pm on Friday. M. Venkaiah Naidu, minister of urban development and Mahesh Sharma, minister of state for tourism and culture (independent charge) will attend the inauguration ceremony.
The week-long celebration will showcase the diverse culture, cuisine and handicrafts of the nation. The idea behind this event is to generate a patriotic mood among the public, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country and involve people's participation. The major highlight of the event is the performance by the the armed force's bands. Besides this, a multi cuisine food court, crafts mela and cultural performances will also be showcased. The ministry of information and broadcasting will also display a photo exhibition titled Azadi 70 Saal - Yaad Karo Kurbani'.
The ministry of tourism is designated as the nodal ministry for the event. Seventeen states-themed pavillions would be set up, wherein each state would showcase their achievements and initiatives, tourism packages and destinations. The cultural performances, which begin from August 12, would include chereographed folk/tribal dances and music arranged through the North Zone Cultural Centre as well as performances by the cultural troupes from different states and Union Territories.
The multicuisine food courts will have 50 stalls—at least one from each state. The National Association of Food Vendors of India will showcase street food from different regions. At the crafts bazaar, 50 stalls will be installed. Each state will exhibit handicrafts from their specific region. Some state pavillions are expected to be inaugurated by the chief ministers of the respective states.
Though the event will be open to the public free of cost, carrying an identity proof is a must. Keeping rains in mind, all arrangements have been made to provide the visitors with rain-proof shelters.Medical facilities will also be made available for the visitors.
