Bharat Parv, a week-long festival as part of the Republic Day celebrations, begins in New Delhi this evening. The objective of the festival is to generate a patriotic mood, promote rich cultural diversity of the country, ensure wider participation of people and popularise the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. AIR correspondent reports that Culture Minister Dr Mahesh Sharma will inaugurate the festival:<br/><br/>The highlights of the event include display of the Republic Day parade tableaux, performances by the armed forces bands, a multi-cuisine food court, crafts mela, cultural performances from different regions of the country. The cultural performances include choreographed folk and tribal dances and music from across the country. The Crafts Mela with 50 stalls will showcase the diverse handicrafts of the country. There will be 11 theme state pavilions where each state would showcase their achievements and initiatives, tourism products and destinations. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is also setting up a Photo Exhibition on the theme Mera Desh Badal Raha Hai, Aage Badh Raha Hai. The festival will remain open to the public from 12 noon to 9 p.m. till 31st of January and entry is free.

Bharat Parv, a week-long festival as part of the Republic Day celebrations, begins in New Delhi this evening. The objective of the festival is to generate a patriotic mood, promote rich cultural diversity of the country, ensure wider participation of people and popularise the idea of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. AIR correspondent reports that Culture Minister Dr Mahesh Sharma will inaugurate the festival:<br/><br/>The highlights of the event include display of the Republic Day parade tableaux, performances by the armed forces bands, a multi-cuisine food court, crafts mela, cultural performances from different regions of the country. The cultural performances include choreographed folk and tribal dances and music from across the country. The Crafts Mela with 50 stalls will showcase the diverse handicrafts of the country. There will be 11 theme state pavilions where each state would showcase their achievements and initiatives, tourism products and destinations. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is also setting up a Photo Exhibition on the theme Mera Desh Badal Raha Hai, Aage Badh Raha Hai. The festival will remain open to the public from 12 noon to 9 p.m. till 31st of January and entry is free.