EKTA NAGAR (GUJARAT), October 31, 2026 – Showcasing the rich cultural heritage and expanding tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory’s pavilion at the ongoing ‘Bharat Parv’ in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, received a high-profile visit from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
During his tour of the vibrant J&K pavilion, the Prime Minister took a keen interest in the region’s famed traditional crafts and One District One Product (ODOP) offerings. He closely observed displays of exquisite Basohli paintings, premium saffron, intricately woven Pashmina shawls, and delicate Sozni embroidery. A live traditional Santoor performance further highlighted Kashmir’s deep-rooted artistic heritage for the visiting dignitaries.
Director of Tourism Jammu, Dr. Vikas Gupta, formally briefed the Prime Minister about the core theme of the pavilion. The briefing highlighted the diverse range of traditional products, cultural attractions, and the massive tourism opportunities being aggressively promoted by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department at the national level.
A major focus of the J&K presentation was shifting the spotlight to lesser-explored and offbeat tourist destinations. Scenic locations such as the Gurez Valley, Bangus, and Yousmarg were prominently highlighted for their breathtaking landscapes and immense potential for adventure, nature-based, and experiential tourism.
According to tourism officials, this strategic focus on offbeat destinations aims to diversify traditional tourism circuits, encourage longer visitor stays, and create sustained economic opportunities for local communities across different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The pavilion also extensively promoted the UT’s growing potential in adventure, pilgrimage, heritage, and rural tourism.
Top officials present during the Prime Minister’s visit included General Manager JKTDC Srinagar Altaf Hussain Bhat, Assistant Director Tourism Jammu Vishal Sadhotra, and Manager JKTDC Srinagar Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat.
The participating artists and artisans expressed their deep gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Tourism Department for providing them with this national platform to showcase their craftsmanship directly to the country’s top leadership.
Officials noted that J&K’s active participation in Bharat Parv offers a prime opportunity to introduce visitors from across India to the UT’s diverse tourism destinations, unique traditional products, and rich cultural tapestry, thereby strengthening engagement with the national travel trade.
Published by True Roots Media Network