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
Kurukshetra’s spiritual and cultural heritage must achieve global recognition, says Chief Minister
Homepages News Service
Chandigarh, June 18 — 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 Chief Minister, 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, Sh. 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 Sh. Nayab Singh 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.
Electric Buses to Connect Pilgrimage Circuit, Pass System Introduced
In the meeting, it was decided that electric buses will soon be introduced in Kurukshetra, connecting important pilgrimage sites along the 48 Kos Parikrama circuit. Route maps will be displayed inside the buses, and a daily pass system will be implemented. These passes will not only facilitate bus travel but will also serve as entry passes to various attractions across Kurukshetra.
The officers concerned shared that, apart from the 164 pilgrimage sites already mapped within the 48 Kos Kurukshetra area, surveys of 18 additional sites have now been completed. A presentation was shown detailing the architectural design for these sites, which will feature uniform styling, color schemes, entrance gates, landscaped parks, and multipurpose halls to maintain visual and thematic consistency.
Four Information Centers to be Established
To further enhance the experience for pilgrims and tourists, four information centers are to be set up by October 15 at Pipli Bus Stand, Kurukshetra Railway Station, Jyotisar Railway Station, and the Kurukshetra Development Board headquarters. These centers will provide comprehensive information about the city, supported by brochures, posters, and booklets detailing accommodation options, tourist landmarks, and other key highlights. He also directed that plaques be installed at historical landmarks and near statues across the city, explaining their cultural and historical significance.
During the meeting, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand ji Maharaj said that a collective effort is underway to give Kurukshetra a grand and spiritually resonant identity. Citing Indore’s example, he suggested that similar efforts should be made to improve the city’s cleanliness and help it secure a high national ranking for sanitation. He also recommended engaging Japan as a global partner for the Gita Mahotsav, and proposed that a Global Gita Summit be organized in Haryana, attracting scholars from across the world.
