Mahabharata-themed gates, electric buses and new pilgrimage sites for Kurukshetra
Kurukshetra should be developed as a grand spiritual city; 48 Utsav to be organised in 48 Kos villages, Governor
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The 82nd meeting of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) was held under the chairmanship of the Governor and Board Chairman, Bandaru Dattatraya here today. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini who is also the Vice Chairman of KDB also attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Governor said that the government is continuously working to give global recognition to the cultural and spiritual heritage of the holy land of Kurukshetra. He said that to establish a wider identity for Kurukshetra across the country, everyone must work together. Kurukshetra holds immense religious significance and should be envisioned as a grand spiritual city, he emphasized. Renowned scholars and prominent personalities from across the country should be associated with the Board, he said.
Meanwhile, to foster deeper community engagement and participation in promoting Kurukshetra’s heritage, Bandaru Dattatraya suggested that at least 48 Utsav (festivals) should be celebrated annually in villages within the 48 Kos area, involving local representatives and the participation of the villages housing these pilgrimage sites.
The Chief Minister said that the government’s objective is to transform Kurukshetra into a world-class destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. He stressed that visitors should be able to sense the historic aura of Mahabharata’s land from the moment they arrive in Kurukshetra. Arrangements should reflect both religious and tourism perspectives, said Saini.
During the meeting, various aspects of Kurukshetra’s development were discussed in the presence of board members and senior officers. The discussions focused on improving sanitation, the upkeep and renovation of Sarovars, transportation arrangements, and infrastructure upgrades within the Mela area. Ongoing development projects across different locations were also reviewed, with clear directives issued to expedite progress.
City to Showcase Mahabharata Theme
A key highlight of the meeting was the focus on promoting Kurukshetra’s identity as a city of spiritual and historical significance. The Chief Minister directed the officers concerned to identify major intersections and entry gates in the city, which will be designed around a Mahabharata-inspired theme. The Sudarshan Chakra on the road leading from Jyotisar will be redesigned with advanced lighting and an installation of a statue of Lord Shri Krishna. Besides this, the naming of entry gates to Brahma Sarovar was also deliberated upon. Further, departments were directed to enhance greenery in the surroundings of Jyotisar Tirtha. Discussions were also held regarding city-wide mural art and inscriptions of Sanskrit shlokas on structures near the railway bridge.