Bharat Bhagya Vidhata – The Red Fort Festival

Monuments are grappling irons that bind one generation to another – Joseph Joubert.

In 2017, the government of India launched the concept of Monument Mitra, which is the brainchild of the Ministry of Tourism, along with the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It is part of the “Adopt A Heritage” project that seeks to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage and monuments and provide tourists with a comfortable and exciting experience of basic and advanced amenities through participation from corporates and individuals.

Dalmia Bharat Limited was chosen as a ‘Monument Mitra’ to adopt at the nation’s iconic 17th-century heritage site, Red Fort. The company has been bestowed with the responsibility to provide excellent tourist facilities at the Red Fort to make the monument tourist-friendly and enhance its tourist potential and cultural importance in a planned, phased manner. It will also look after the operations and maintenance of the adopted site for five years and focus on active industry participation.

So to celebrate, create awareness, and educate the importance of our Monuments, the Ministry of Culture, along with Red Fort’s Monument Mitra, Dalmia Bharat Limited, conceptualised the event “Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata” from March 25th until April 3rd, 2022. One of India's most anticipated 10-day events featured a spectacular thematic cultural fusion showcasing India’s rich history and a kaleidoscopic diversity in art, heritage, culture, cuisine, and more. The festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata highlights our culture and traditions as it has never been seen before. It enabled visitors, especially our youth, to build connections between our nation’s current progress and our ancient glory by understanding India-centric values and globally relevant”.

“Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav means elixir of energy of independence. It means elixir of inspirations of the warriors of the freedom struggle; elixir of new ideas and pledges and nectar of Aatmnirbharta,” said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

As part of the government’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to celebrate 75 years of Indian independence, Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata promises a decadent cultural treat to visitors. Some of the highlights of the festivals included a projection mapping show on India’s history on the exterior walls of the monument; an exhibition of the nation’s achievements through the years; a host of cultural programs featuring the grandeur of the country’s vibrant arts and craftsmanship, a culinary explosion of regional cuisines and specially curated song and dance performances that pay homage to the country’s unity in diversity, performances of renowned Indian Classical Musicians and Sufi Singers.

As part of its path-breaking initiative, Dalmia Bharat Limited aims to instil a sense of national pride and ensure sustenance for communities by improving jobs and opportunities.

”Mr Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat Limited, believes, “Through every specially curated initiative at the Red Fort Festival - Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, enable visitors to immerse themselves into India’s cultural, celebratory, and community-led legacies.”

Many reputed dignitaries visited the festival, and they appreciated the efforts. One such organisation was FICCI FLO (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) under the leadership of the newly appointed president Mrs Jayanti Dalmia. The Ficci Flo Ladies organisation visited the museum and, toured the red fort campus with expert historians and learned about the beginning of the time of this beautiful monument and the kings that resided, trades that took place and how this fort supported the surrounding areas to turn into a beautiful city.

The evening with the classical music of sitar Ustad Shahid Parvez and Pandit Ronu Mazumdar (flute) was delightful; later, the FICCI FLO ladies witnessed a mesmerising projection mapping showing the growth and achievements of India.

As the festival ends, it guarantees much laughter and sweet memories for its participants.

About Writer - Kumari Bhumika, an esteemed Art & Culture Correspondent, hails from the noble Zamindar family of Bandhi (Satna). Deeply passionate about India's cultural legacy, she is dedicated to uncovering and narrating the rich tapestry of Indian heritage and the enduring legacy of Indian royals. Through her insightful storytelling, she brings to light the influence of royal patronage in music, dance, architecture, culinary art, family tradition & culture and indigenous crafts, ensuring that India's timeless traditions continue to inspire generations. Feel free to reach out to the writer at ✉️ monumentmitra@gmail.com.