The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, is organising the 5th edition of Lok Samvardhan Parv at the Marine Drive Ground, Shanmugham Road, Kochi, Kerala, from 26^th August to 4^th September, 2025. The event will be inaugurated by Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Lok Samvardhan Parv is a flagship initiative of the Ministry, designed to provide artisans, craftspersons, weavers, culinary experts, and entrepreneurs from minority communities with market linkages and national exposure. By offering them a platform to showcase their art, craft, and talent, the Parv strengthens economic empowerment while also celebrating India’s vibrant diversity. The Kochi edition is particularly significant, as it is the first-ever Lok Samvardhan Parv in Kerala, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan spirit, enterprise and diversity.

The 10-day festival will bring together over 100 artisans and 15 culinary experts from across the country. Traditional crafts ranging from Zari and Chikankari of Uttar Pradesh, Phulkari embroidery of Punjab, Madhubani paintings of Bihar, and Blue Pottery of Rajasthan, to Pashmina weaving from Ladakh, Bastar Iron Craft from Chhattisgarh, Channapatna wooden toys from Karnataka, and Kerala’s own Nettippattam making will be on display. Visitors will also get to savour an extensive culinary showcase featuring traditional foods, spices, pickles, bakery products, herbal preparations, and coastal delicacies. Alongside the exhibition, the festival will host cultural performances and live demonstrations that highlight the rich artistic heritage of minority communities.

Earlier editions of Lok Samvardhan Parv held in Delhi and Srinagar were met with overwhelming enthusiasm, drawing praise for promoting inclusive development and cultural exchange. The Kochi edition is expected to further this legacy, creating not only opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs but also avenues for cultural exchange and enrichment.

Empowering communities through culture, Lok Samvardhan Parv is not just an exhibition but a celebration of India’s diverse cultural heritage. It provides artisans and culinary experts from minority communities with a national platform, promoting self-reliance, economic empowerment, and communal harmony. Kochi, with its cosmopolitan spirit, is the ideal venue to host this vibrant cultural festival.

In alignment with the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, Lok Samvardhan Parv is a platform to strengthen cultural bonds while fostering sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Event Details

📍 Venue: Marine Drive Ground, Shanmugham Road, Kochi, Kerala
📅 Dates: 26th August – 4th September, 2025
🕒 Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (daily)
👉 Entry is free and open to the public

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