A large number of visitors participated in the second day of the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv, being organised at Parade Ground, Dehradun, by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Minority Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation under the Government of Uttarakhand. Visitors enjoyed India's rich cultural heritage through traditional handicrafts, regional cuisines and cultural performances. The five-day festival provides a national platform for artisans, weavers, craftsmen and entrepreneurs from across the country to showcase their skills and products.

More than 150 exhibition stalls displayed traditional handicrafts, handloom products, heritage crafts and regional products. Live craft demonstrations by master artisans offered visitors an opportunity to closely witness the intricate techniques of traditional craftsmanship and appreciate India's rich handicraft traditions. The food court continued to attract visitors with authentic Uttarakhandi hill and Kumaoni delicacies, along with popular cuisines from different parts of the country.

A drawing competition organised during the day witnessed enthusiastic participation from children as well as adults, who showcased their creativity through artworks based on India's cultural diversity and heritage. The results of the competition will be announced on the concluding day of the festival.

To strengthen the capacities of artisans and entrepreneurs, the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) organised an interactive knowledge session. The session, conducted by State Head Shri Birendra Singh Sajwan and Shri Shailesh Rawat, covered entrepreneurship development, business expansion, branding, digital marketing and market linkages. Participants were also provided practical guidance on strengthening their enterprises and expanding market access.

On the occasion, Dr. Parag Madhukar, Special Secretary, Minority Welfare Department, Government of Uttarakhand, said that Lok Samvardhan Parv is a celebration of India's vibrant cultural traditions and the extraordinary talent of its artisans. He said the enthusiastic participation of visitors reflects the growing interest in indigenous crafts and that the festival is creating new opportunities for artisans through market linkages, business expansion and sustainable livelihoods.

Ms. Deepti Singh, Director, Uttarakhand Minority Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation, said that the festival has emerged as a common platform where artisans, entrepreneurs and visitors come together to witness the confluence of craftsmanship, culture and innovation. She added that through exhibitions, knowledge sessions and cultural programmes, Lok Samvardhan Parv is not only empowering artisans but also making a significant contribution towards preserving the country's rich traditional heritage.

The evening cultural programme commenced with a performance by renowned Uttarakhand folk singer Naresh Badshah, who captivated the audience with his popular folk songs. This was followed by a vibrant performance by acclaimed Bollywood and Punjabi singer Jyoti Nooran, who enthralled the audience with popular songs including Patakha Guddi, Wari Jawan, Tera Noor and Paon Ki Jutti, receiving an overwhelming response from the crowd.

Lok Samvardhan Parv will remain open to the public at Parade Ground, Dehradun, till 15 July 2026, from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM every day. Entry to the festival is free for all visitors. The cultural evening on 13 July 2026 will feature performances by renowned Uttarakhand folk artists Kishan Mahipal, Vivek Nautiyal and Maya Upadhyay.

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