The Ministry of Minority Affairs, in collaboration with Uttarakhand Minorities Welfare and Waqf Development Corporation, inaugurated the 6th Lok Samvardhan Parv at Parade Ground, Dehradun on July 11, 2026. Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami presided over the inauguration of this five-day festival running from July 11-15, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
This edition represents a historic milestone as the first Lok Samvardhan Parv organized in partnership with a state government, with Uttarakhand being the first state to collaborate with the Ministry under the PM VIKAS Scheme. The event features approximately 150 exhibition stalls showcasing traditional handicrafts, handloom textiles, and heritage crafts from across India, with nearly 40% of stalls dedicated specifically to Uttarakhand's arts and crafts. The festival includes live craft demonstrations, buyer-seller interactions, entrepreneurship and digital marketing sessions, cultural performances, and food stalls featuring traditional Pahadi and Kumaoni delicacies alongside popular dishes from across India.
Minister Rijiju emphasized the government's commitment to 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' and promoting 'Vocal for Local' initiatives, noting that the festival provides a national platform for artisans, weavers, craftspersons, and entrepreneurs to showcase their talent and products. Chief Minister Dhami detailed Uttarakhand's minority welfare initiatives including scholarships for minority students from Class I to Ph.D. level, development works in minority-concentrated areas under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram, and the Mukhyamantri Hunar Yojana offering term loans up to ₹20 lakh for promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among eligible beneficiaries.
Secretary Dr. Srivatsa Krishna noted that since its inception in 2024, five editions of Lok Samvardhan Parv have been organized in collaboration with the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC), benefiting more than 550 artisans, weavers, and culinary experts by providing national platform access for market development and traditional livelihood promotion. The Dehradun edition features nearly 90 women artisans showcasing craftsmanship and the spirit of Nari Shakti.