India

‘Paryatan Parv’ 2018 kick starts in Delhi

Home minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates Paryatan Parv 2018

Union home minister Rajnath Singh reiterated that India is full of cultural diversity but yet it is unbreakable and it is being developed as a tourist destination. He was inaugurating the second edition of ‘Paryatan Parv’ (Tourism Festival) at Rajpath Lawns in Delhi on Sunday.  K.J. Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism, Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and other dignitaries from participating Central Ministries and State Governments, were present at the occasion.

The event is being organised by the Tourism Ministry, aiming at drawing attention on the benefits of tourism, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country and strengthening the principle of “tourism for all”.

“Indian culture is very rich. Its rich civilization is discussed across the world. It is the only country where followers of all the imparted religions are found. There are a great number of languages, dialects and dressing habits. With its diversity, India is still incredible and unbreakable,” said the minister.

“The country is full of traditions and customs. India has a lot to offer to the tourists. The government is trying to increase the contribution of tourism in the GDP from seven to 10 per cent,” he added.

Speaking at the event, K J Alphons, Tourism minister, said that Indians have made 1.8 billion domestic trips in the last year and added that the Ministry is aiming for double these visits in next 3 years. The Tourism Minister also called upon everyone to see, experience and get transformed by travelling across India.

According to the ministry, ‘Paryatan Parv’ will have three main components – ‘Dekho Apna Desh (See our coutry)’, ‘Tourism for All’ and ‘Tourism and Governance’.

The event will focus on domestic tourists especially the youth. The ministry said that India has a huge variety of destinations many of which are yet to be explored.

The event aims at organising more than 3000 activities across the country as part of the programme. Thirty-two states and Union territories, along with different departments of the government are collaborating with the union ministry in the Paryatan Parv.

Eighteen theme-based pavilions will be set up by states. It would also have 54 food stalls, craft bazaar and exhibitions will be held there.

Yoga also part of this year’s event. Yoga demonstration, training and therapy would be held by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga every day at the venue.