The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with Uttarakhand Minorities Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation, Government of Uttarakhand, today inaugurated the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv at Parade Ground, Dehradun. The five-day festival was inaugurated by Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri  Kiren Rijiju in the presence of Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami and Minister for Minority Welfare ,Shri Khajan Dass.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Kiren Rijiju said that Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is working with the spirit of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", ensuring development for every citizen without any discrimination on the basis of religion or community. "This festival has emerged as an important national platform for artisans, weavers, craftspersons and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent, traditional craftsmanship and products. We are delighted to bring this edition to the beautiful capital of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, where artisans from across the country can not only exhibit their creations but also experience the warmth and hospitality of the State.” He said the Government does not view people through the prism of religion but treats every citizen equally, adding that Lok Samvardhan Parv is not a festival only for minorities but a celebration for all Indians dedicated to preserving the country's rich cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Highlighting Prime Minister's vision of "Vocal for Local", Shri Rijiju appealed to citizens to promote and purchase indigenous products. He said the exhibition showcases a wide range of Made in India handicrafts, handloom products, traditional crafts and regional cuisines from across the country and urged visitors to support local artisans by purchasing their products. He noted that such initiatives strengthen traditional livelihoods while celebrating India's rich cultural diversity. He also said that after the monsoon season, he would visit the interior regions of Uttarakhand in consultation with Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami.

He further added that  Ministry remains fully committed to the socio-economic empowerment of minority communities through education, skill development, entrepreneurship and market access. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has instilled a renewed sense of pride in India’s artisans and indigenous products. There was a time when imported goods were considered a symbol of prestige. Today, people proudly choose and promote products that are ‘Made in India’. Lok Samvardhan Parv is a reflection of this changing mindset, celebrating our rich heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans across the country.”

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “It is a matter of great pride for Uttarakhand to host Lok Samvardhan Parv for the first time. Uttarakhand has also become the first State in the country to collaborate with the Ministry of Minority Affairs for organising this flagship event. I am delighted to know that Union Minister, Shri  Kiren Rijiju has travelled extensively across Uttarakhand and is well acquainted with even the remotest regions of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This festival will introduce the younger generation of Uttarakhand to the rich artisanal heritage and traditional craftsmanship of different States, while also providing a valuable platform for our own artisans to showcase their skills before a national audience.”

He added, “Uttarakhand Government is committed to the welfare and empowerment of minority communities through several focused initiatives. Scholarships are being provided to economically weaker minority students from Class I to Ph.D. level, while development works are being undertaken in minority-concentrated areas under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram. Under the Mukhyamantri Hunar Yojana, eligible beneficiaries can avail term loans of up to ₹20 lakh to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment. Through initiatives such as House of Himalayas and the One District Two Products Scheme, we are also taking Uttarakhand’s unique local products and traditional crafts to markets across the country.”

Further ,the inaugural ceremony  was addressed by Dr Srivatsa Krishna ,Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India  after welcome address by Shri S.P. Roy ,Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. Secretary ,Dr. Srivatsa Krishna, said that since its inception in 2024, Lok Samvardhan Parv has travelled across the length and breadth of the country in less than two years, providing a vibrant platform for artisans and entrepreneurs. He said that the Dehradun edition marks the festival's first visit to Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand, where around 150 artisans, including nearly 90 women artisans, are showcasing their craftsmanship and the spirit of Nari Shakti. He added that Lok Samvardhan Parv reflects the Prime Minister's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", promoting inclusive development and empowering artisans from across the country. The dignitaries were felicitated during the ceremony, following which the Government of Uttarakhand released a commemorative postal envelope marking the 6th edition of Lok Samvardhan Parv.

The 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv features around 150 exhibition stalls showcasing traditional handicrafts, handloom textiles and heritage crafts from across India. Nearly 40 per cent of the stalls are dedicated to the arts and crafts of Uttarakhand, providing local artisans with a significant platform to showcase their craftsmanship. The remaining stalls represent the diverse artistic traditions of various States and Union Territories, displaying renowned crafts including Uttarakhand handicrafts, Ajrakh block prints, Lac bangles, woodware, brassware, terracotta, cane and bamboo products, handloom textiles and several other traditional art forms.

The upcoming days of the festival will feature performances by Jyoti Nooran, Kishan Mahipal, Vivek Nautiyal, Maya Upadhyay, Pandavaas and Parmish Verma, offering audiences a vibrant celebration of India's diverse cultural heritage ad food stalls with a special focus on traditional Pahadi and Kumaoni delicacies of Uttarakhand alongside popular dishes from across India. Lok Samvardhan Parv is open to the public at Parade Ground, Dehradun, from 11th to 15th July 2026, between 11:30 AM and 9:00 PM.Throughout the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to witness live craft demonstrations by master artisans, participate in buyer-seller interactions, and attend entrepreneurship and digital marketing sessions designed to strengthen market access and business opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs.

Lok Samvardhan Parv, Dehradun edition marks a historic milestone as the first-ever Lok Samvardhan Parv organised in partnership with a State Government, with Uttarakhand becoming the first State to collaborate with the Ministry of Minority Affairs in hosting the flagship event under the PM VIKAS Scheme. The initiative reflects the Ministry's renewed emphasis on strengthening Centre-State partnerships to promote sustainable livelihoods while preserving India's rich traditional arts, crafts and culinary heritage.

Since its inception in 2024, five editions of Lok Samvardhan Parv have been organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC), benefiting more than 550 artisans, weavers and culinary experts by providing them with a national platform for market access, business development and the promotion of traditional livelihoods. Appreciating their craftsmanship and cultural richness, the dignitaries encouraged them to utilise platforms such as Lok Samvardhan Parv to strengthen market linkages, expand business opportunities and build sustainable livelihoods. The visit reaffirmed the Government's commitment to preserving India's cultural heritage and empowering artisans through enhanced opportunities for entrepreneurship, market access and economic inclusion.

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