The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, attended the closing ceremony of Bharat Parv 2026 at the Red Fort Lawns today. Describing Bharat Parv as more than a festival, he said the event reflects India’s unity in diversity, highlights the nation’s cultural vibrancy and tourism potential, and symbolizes the collective resolve towards Viksit Bharat@2047.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President stated that India is witnessing transformation at an unprecedented scale in modern history. He noted that infrastructure expansion, digital empowerment, financial inclusion, social security, women-led development, and youth innovation are reshaping the foundations of the economy and society. He said this progress is also visible in the growing confidence of people travelling across the country. India recorded over 400 crore domestic tourist visits in 2025, demonstrating not only post-pandemic recovery but also a renewed enthusiasm among citizens to explore their own nation. He congratulated all performers, artisans, and craftsmen who came together to present a memorable showcase of India’s cultural richness.

During the closing ceremony, Shri Suresh Gopi,  Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum, said that Bharat Parv, by bringing together the colours, sounds, flavours, and traditions of India under one roof, serves as a reminder of the extraordinary unity within the country’s diversity. He added that such celebrations bring citizens closer to the soul of the nation, strengthen national integration, and reaffirm that India’s cultural heritage remains its greatest ambassador.

Bharat Parv 2026, a six-day national cultural and tourism festival, was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, from 26th to 31st January 2026 at the Lawns and Gyan Path in front of the historic Red Fort as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The closing ceremony was also graced by Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum, Shri Suresh Gopi.

 

Bharat Parv is the Ministry’s flagship annual event celebrating India’s rich cultural, artistic, culinary and spiritual heritage while promoting the national initiatives “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and “Dekho Apna Desh.” Over the years, the festival has evolved into a major platform showcasing India’s unity in diversity and immense tourism potential.

The festival aims to highlight India’s diverse cultural heritage, encourage domestic tourism, provide a platform for artisans and States/UTs, promote tourism awareness, and strengthen national integration through cultural exchange. This year’s event witnessed participation from 34 States and Union Territories, over 25 Central Ministries and Departments, and leading institutions and organisations from across the country.

This year’s Bharat Parv held special significance as it marked 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” the iconic song that inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to symbolize unity, cultural pride, and love for the motherland.

Bharat Parv 2026 witnessed large public participation, recording an average daily footfall of around 40,000 visitors.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

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