PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Bharat Parv 2026’ at Ekta Nagar, Kickstarting Sardar Patel’s 151st Birth Anniversary Celebrations

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated **‘Bharat Parv 2026’** at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district, marking the beginning of the **151st birth anniversary celebrations** of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ahead of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Event Duration: The grand cultural festival, reflecting the spirit of *'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'*, will run until **November 15, 2026**.

- Key Inaugural Highlights:

- **Ekta Prakash Parv:** An illumination spectacle featuring a 530-metre illuminated stretch and a 180-metre Glow Tunnel powered by over 1.5 crore LED lights.

- **Narmada Maha Aarti:** Prime Minister attended the sacred evening Aarti at the upgraded Shoolpaneshwar Narmada Ghat.

- Projects & Celebrations (October 31):

- Launch of 31 infrastructure and tourism projects worth **over ₹426 crore** (including an IRCTC hotel, Ekta Cruise, and a Rain Forest project).

- Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade, a theatrical performance on *'Naxal Mukt Bharat'* by the National School of Drama, and performances by nearly 5,000 artists.

- Overarching Theme for 2026 Observance: **'Vande Mataram'**.

Static GK Facts:

- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel:

- Born: **October 31, 1875** (Nadiad, Gujarat).

- Portfolios: Independent India's first Deputy Prime Minister and first Home Minister ("Bismarck of India" & "Iron Man of India").

- Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day): Instituted in **2014**, observed annually on **October 31**.

- Statue of Unity:

- Height: **182 metres** (World's tallest statue) | Location: Sadhu Bet Island, Narmada River, Gujarat.

- Sculptor: **Ram V. Sutar**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate 'Bharat Parv 2026'?

A: Ekta Nagar (Kevadia, Gujarat)

Q: On which date is Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrated annually in India?

A: October 31 (Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel)

Q: What is the total height of the Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?

A: 182 metres

Q: Who is the renowned sculptor behind the Statue of Unity?

A: Ram V. Sutar

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