DRNew Delhi: ‘Paryatan Parv’ by Ministry of Tourism was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister, in the presence of K J Alphons, Union Minister for Tourism, Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and other dignitaries from participating Central Ministries and State Governments at Rajpath Lawns, New Delhi on Sunday. This is the second edition of Paryatan Parv’, a nation-wide celebration of tourism that will be on till September 27.
Rajnath Singh said that India is the only country where all major religions of the world, diverse culture, customs and cuisines are found and, we should see and experience this Incredible India. The Home Minister added that the Government has ensured ‘ease of travel’ through various steps like simplification of e-visa application process for tourists. The Minister also urged Indians to visit various places in the country, understand its rich and varied culture and heritage, and enjoy its natural beauty.
K J Alphons said that Indians have made 1.8 billion domestic trips in the last year and added that the Ministry is aiming to double these visits in next three years. The Tourism Minister also called upon everyone to see, experience and be transformed by travelling across India.
The Home Minister also released the Paryatan Parv event calendar. The Ministry of Tourism also signed a MoU with Apeejay Group of Hotels and V Resorts for adoption of Jantar Mantar, New Delhi and Surajkund, Haryana, respectively, under its Adopt-a-Heritage scheme. The Home Minister handed over the MoUs and nine Letters of Intent for adoption of several other monuments, under the scheme, was also issued to nine companies.
The highlights of the event in Rajpath Lawns, New Delhi are the participation of a record number of 32 States / UT’s who have put up their best foot forward, which include 18 theme pavilions, a food court with 54 stalls, bringing in cuisines from across India; a kitchen studio by Institute of Hotel Management, Delhi; a crafts bazaar with 76 handicraft and handloom stalls; yoga demonstration and training; performances by Armed Forces Bands and an exhibition on the theme ‘Saaf Niyat Sahi Vikas’ by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
The 250 delegates from 60 countries, participating in International Tourism Mart, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, also had an opportunity to savour the flavour of Incredible India on showcase at Rajpath Lawns.
Over 3150 activities and events are taking place across the country during the 12-day event.
Paryatan Parv events across the country today:
Various Paryatan Parv activities began across the country along with Delhi on Sunday with The Patliputra Heritage Walk, flagged off from the Patna Museum premises at 7am by the Commissioner, Patna Division, tourism service providers, stakeholders and tourism students. The Walk organised by India Tourism Patna, covered important heritage sites of Patna like Patna Museum, Dr. Sachchidanand Sinha’s House, Sikandar Manzil, Gandhi Statue, Gandhi Museum, Gandhi Shivir and Gol Ghar.
Earlier in the day, India Tourism Kolkata, along with IHM, Kolkata and other stakeholders organised a Heritage Walk, from iconic Victoria Memorial Hall after a Swachhata activity, walking through the famous Queensway, Cathedral Road, Chowringhee covering heritage monuments like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata Race Course and Indian Museum.
India Tourism Delhi, in association with Yes Global Institute & INTACH, organised cycling and a heritage walk in Lutyens, New Delhi, with the message, ‘Save the environment, be healthy and let others be healthy’.
