The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir took centre stage at Bharat Parv 2024, hosted at the iconic Red Fort in New Delhi, offering a captivating tableau that highlighted the region’s cultural richness and significant developmental achievements. Over the past four years, J&K has undertaken extensive strides in infrastructure, digital transformation, and various sectors, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
As part of the nine-day Bharat Parv, organized by the Ministry of Tourism and launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J&K’s tableau stood proudly alongside six other Republic Day tableaux, showcasing cultural diversity from Karnataka, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, and Tripura. The tableau unfolded a visual narrative, encapsulating the legend of Raja Jambu Lochan and symbolizing the harmonious inception of Jammu city.
The front of the tableau brought to life the legend with a poignant portrayal of a tiger and a goat drinking water together, signifying the harmonious beginning of Jammu city. This scene also celebrated the inauguration of the newly established Jambu Zoo, the UT’s first full-fledged zoo, offering a sanctuary for diverse wildlife amidst lush natural landscapes.
A notable feature of the tableau was the front trailer, showcasing the delicate papier-mâché artistry of Kashmir. A lifelike representation of a skilled lady artist at work underscored the intricate cultural threads woven into the daily life of the region through this age-old craft.
The midsection of the tableau paid homage to the “Saffron Bowl of India,” vividly depicting Kashmiri women in saffron fields. The exhibit celebrated Kashmir’s saffron exports, marked by a coveted GI Tag, emphasizing the region’s agricultural prowess.
Lal Chowk, the heartbeat of Srinagar, took its place in the tableau, reflecting a restoration that seamlessly blends historical essence with modern amenities, creating a dynamic urban space. A scale model of Lal Chowk’s iconic clock tower, a major attraction, graced the tableau’s end, symbolizing the region’s progressive urban ethos.
Adorned with meticulous models of saffron flowers and scenes of artisans crafting Kashmiri carpets and wooden products, the tableau showcased local craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, UT of J&K, remarked, “This tableau is a glimpse into Jammu & Kashmir’s commitment to growth and the undying spirit of its people, crafting a promising future while preserving the essence of our heritage.”
Bharat Parv 2024 once again provided a platform for India’s states and union territories to converge and celebrate their unique identities. Jammu & Kashmir’s tableau stood as a beacon of its developmental journey and cultural splendor, inviting all to explore the region’s multifaceted beauty. The tableau was designed under the guidance of Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, and Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, executed by Bharat Singh, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, and Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary.
