Haryana Encouraged to Develop Kurukshetra as a Cultural Tourism Center; Plans to Host 48 Festivals Annually to Draw Visitors

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya has advocated for transforming Kurukshetra into a leading spiritual and cultural tourism hub, suggesting the organization of 48 annual festivals throughout the area to highlight its historical and religious importance.

While presiding over the 82nd meeting of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) on Wednesday, the Governor stated, “Kurukshetra must be established as a must-visit destination,” and proposed that the festivals take place in villages situated within the 48 kos (approximately 240 km) radius of Kurukshetra—an area historically linked to the Mahabharata.

Endorsing this vision, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who holds the position of vice-chairman of the board, emphasized the state government’s commitment to developing Kurukshetra as a prime location for both spiritual and cultural tourism.
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An official release following the meeting outlined main areas of focus, such as enhancing sanitation, restoring sarovars (sacred ponds), and upgrading transportation and city infrastructure.

Chief Minister Saini directed officials to pinpoint key road intersections and city entry points to be themed around ideas from the Mahabharata, thereby strengthening Kurukshetra’s mythological significance. A significant proposal involves redesigning the roadway from Jyotisar with a replica of the Sudarshan Chakra and erecting a statue of Lord Shri Krishna.

The board also deliberated on naming gates at Brahma Sarovar, mural art initiatives throughout the city, and engraving Sanskrit shlokas on various nearby structures, including those near the railway bridge.

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To enhance connectivity and visitor convenience, the board approved the launch of electric buses connecting major pilgrimage sites within the 48 Kos Parikrama circuit. Passengers will receive a daily bus pass that serves as an entry pass to prominent attractions in the area.

Additionally, to enhance the visitor experience and accessibility, information centres will be set up at key locations by October 15, including Pipli Bus Stand, Kurukshetra Railway Station, Jyotisar Railway Station, and the KDB headquarters.

The proposed initiatives demonstrate a unified effort by the state government and the Kurukshetra Development Board to revitalize the region’s cultural landscape, positioning Kurukshetra as a year-round destination for pilgrims and heritage travellers.