The Government of India is firmly committed to the holistic development of minority communities, with a special focus on artisans who represent the rich cultural and traditional legacy of our nation, stated Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, ahead of the grand inauguration of Lok Samvardhan Parv in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir.

Reflecting the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, the Lok Samvardhan Parv will be inaugurated by the Minister at 3:00 PM tomorrow, at the Convention Centre Ground, Kashmir University, Srinagar. The event is being organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs and will run up to April 13, 2025.

Shri Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, and Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, will attend as the Guest of Honour. Several other dignitaries, senior government officials, and stakeholders from across the country are also expected to attend.

The Lok Samvardhan Parv aims to provide a vibrant national platform for artisans and culinary experts from minority communities to showcase their crafts and traditional cuisines. Coinciding with the Tulip Season—a major tourist attraction—the event is expected to draw significant footfall, enhancing market exposure and livelihood opportunities for the participants.

The exhibition will feature over 100 artisans from 25 States and Union Territories, presenting a diverse array of handicrafts including:

• Kashmiri arts such as Carpet weaving, Paper Mâché, Sozni embroidery, Crewel, and Ari work
• Shawls from Punjab
• Handloom products from Uttarakhand
• Traditional jewellery from Nagaland
• Crochet work from Goa
• Cane and bamboo products from Assam
• Leather goods from Maharashtra
• Matka Silk and Baswara Sarees from Bihar

Additionally, 16 culinary experts from 12 States will offer a rich gastronomic journey through regional delicacies, including:

• Kashmiri Wazwan
• Gujarati cuisine
• Bihar ka Swad
• UP ki Chaat
• Flavour & Fire Paan

To further enrich the experience, daily evening cultural performances will celebrate the music, dance, and storytelling traditions of India’s minority communities.

As a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Lok Samvardhan Parv aligns with the ‘Vocal for Local’ mission, dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional arts, crafts, and cuisines. The event underscores the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to empowering artisans through market linkages, skill development, and financial inclusion, in collaboration with various partner organizations.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs warmly invites citizens, tourists, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts to visit the Lok Samvardhan Parv and be part of this extraordinary celebration of India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

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SS/ISA