THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, JANUARY 31, 2026

The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Saturday described Bharat Parv as a powerful reflection of India’s unity in diversity, saying the festival goes beyond celebration to mirror the nation’s cultural vibrancy, tourism potential and collective resolve towards the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He was addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony of Bharat Parv 2026 held at the Red Fort Lawns.

Calling Bharat Parv more than a cultural festival, the Vice-President said it symbolises the spirit of a confident and transforming India. He noted that the country is witnessing change at an unprecedented scale in modern history, driven by rapid infrastructure expansion, digital empowerment, financial inclusion, social security initiatives, women-led development and youth-driven innovation. These transformative efforts, he said, are reshaping the foundations of India’s economy and society while strengthening national cohesion.

Highlighting the growing confidence of citizens to explore their own country, Radhakrishnan pointed out that India recorded over 400 crore domestic tourist visits in 2025. He said this remarkable figure not only reflects a strong post-pandemic recovery but also signals renewed enthusiasm among people to rediscover India’s diverse landscapes, cultures and traditions. Congratulating the performers, artisans and craftsmen who participated in the festival, he lauded their contribution in creating a memorable and immersive showcase of India’s cultural richness.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum, Suresh Gopi, said Bharat Parv brings together the colours, sounds, flavours and traditions of India under one roof, serving as a reminder of the extraordinary unity embedded within the country’s diversity. He observed 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 to the world.

Bharat Parv 2026, a six-day national cultural and tourism festival, was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, from January 26 to 31, 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 graced by Shri Suresh Gopi along with senior officials and cultural representatives from across the country.

The Ministry’s flagship annual event, Bharat Parv celebrates 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 prominent platform showcasing India’s unity in diversity and its immense tourism potential.

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

Bharat Parv 2026 held special significance as it marked 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” the iconic song that inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to symbolise unity, cultural pride and love for the motherland. The festival saw large public participation, recording an average daily footfall of around 40,000 visitors, underscoring its growing resonance among citizens.