Ahmedabad- Jammu and Kashmir's vibrant cultural heritage, traditional crafts, scenic countryside, and diverse cuisine are drawing significant attention at the ongoing Bharat Parv in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district of Gujarat, being held as part of the nationwide celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Organised under the aegis of the Union Tourism Ministry, Bharat Parv is aimed at showcasing India's unity in diversity through the coming together of culture, cuisine, craftsmanship and regional tourism attractions from across the country. The fortnight-long festival was inaugurated last week by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jammu and Kashmir Tourism has set up a dedicated pavilion at the event, which has quickly become a major crowd-puller, offering visitors a glimpse of the region's pristine landscapes, adventure tourism opportunities, and rich artistic traditions. The pavilion also highlights the Union Territory's unique cultural identity and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Joint Director Tourism (Jammu) Aijaz Qaiser, along with other senior officials, is representing the region at the festival. Speaking at the event, Qaiser said that Jammu and Kashmir's participation reflects its commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and promoting the Union Territory as a year-round travel destination.

“Our focus is on showcasing the evolving tourism identity of Jammu and Kashmir-one that blends natural beauty, heritage, ecology and community participation in line with the ethos of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” he said.

One of the main attractions at the J&K pavilion is a live 'studio kitchen' set up by the Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC). The live culinary counter offers visitors first-hand flavour experiences of authentic regional cuisines including traditional Kashmiri and Dogra dishes, which received enthusiastic response from attendees.

In addition to gastronomic displays, live cultural performances supported by the Department of Culture are being staged to highlight the region's artistic vibrancy. Traditional crafts, handlooms, and souvenirs from Jammu and Kashmir have also been put on display, drawing keen interest from visitors and culture enthusiasts.

According to officials, the festival provides an important platform to promote tourism-led cultural integration while reinforcing the message of harmony and inclusivity deeply associated with National Unity Day.

“The event reinforces our ongoing efforts to engage with wider audiences across India and present Jammu and Kashmir as a diverse, welcoming and culturally rich destination,” the official release noted.

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