Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Governor Prof. Asim Kumar Ghosh has called for improved arrangements for the upcoming International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, stressing that the convenience of devotees and tourists must remain the top priority. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced several initiatives for the event, including wider participation from national institutions, heritage-focused projects and improved facilities at pilgrimage sites.
The International Gita Jayanti celebrations will be held in Kurukshetra from December 5 to 25. The plans were discussed during the 83rd meeting of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), chaired by the Governor. Saini, MP Naveen Jindal, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, MLA Ashok Arora and senior officials attended the meeting.
Ghosh appreciated the arrangements made during last year’s festival and called for further improvements in transport, connectivity and access to the event venue. He urged the board and district administration to coordinate closely to ensure visitors can move around the festival area conveniently.
The Governor and the Chief Minister also launched the Digital Heritage App and the Kurukshetra Sarathi mobile app.
ISRO, Navy and Air Force to Participate in Exhibition
Saini said the festival’s exhibition would feature the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Indian Navy, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for the first time.
West Bengal and Delhi will participate as partner states this year. The event will also feature a craft fair, a Gita book fair, Bhagwat Katha, Gita conferences and cultural programmes.
An exhibition marking 60 years of Haryana’s formation will also be organised. The programme will include activities for young people, with a focus on values and character-building, as well as events involving educationists.
The Chief Minister said Gita Jayanti celebrations would also be held at the district level from December 18 to 20. Gita recitations will be organised in temples across Haryana’s villages, while students from Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across the country will be encouraged to participate.
Awareness Campaign to Cover 182 Pilgrimage Sites
According to Saini, an awareness journey will begin on December 2 and cover 182 pilgrimage sites across the 48-kos region associated with Kurukshetra. A procession will also be taken out from Pipli on December 4.
The Chief Minister said the campaign would help connect more people with the religious and cultural significance of the region. He also called for daily spiritual activities at pilgrimage sites and better transport services during the festival.
Rs 120 Crore Guest House Planned Near Brahma Sarovar
The meeting also reviewed pending development projects in Kurukshetra. Saini directed officials to form a joint committee comprising the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty, B.B. Bharti, to audit and investigate the pending works. He said strict action would be taken against those found responsible for irregularities.
The Chief Minister added that development works would be undertaken through the Kurukshetra Development Board rather than separate departments.
A 90-room guest house costing Rs 120 crore is planned on 6.5 acres near Brahma Sarovar. Other projects include a Guru Tegh Bahadur Singh Gate at Purushottampura, renovation of the ancient Draupadi Koop according to Archaeological Department guidelines, and decorative peacock-feather-shaped lights and tiles around Brahma Sarovar.
An entrance gate and a Gita pillar are also planned at Jyotisar. Saini said a master plan had been prepared for Saraswati Tirth in Pehowa, including a circumambulatory route extending over two kilometres.
The renovation of 11 intersections in Kurukshetra has also been planned, with tenders already issued. Surveys are underway at 12 additional sites, which could increase the number of pilgrimage sites under the board from 182 to 194.
Month-Long Cleanliness Drive Before the Festival
Saini directed officials to conduct a month-long cleanliness campaign before the festival, install waste bins at key locations and establish a dedicated sanitation force to keep the area clean.
He also called for improvements to ponds, including boundary walls, footpaths and lighting, along with geofencing of pilgrimage sites and the planting of shade-giving trees. Proposals will also be prepared for halls where devotees can sit.
The Chief Minister said pilgrimage sites showing commendable performance would be recognised during Gita Jayanti and could receive cash rewards. He also directed that KDB meetings be held every three months to review and monitor development work.
Saini said the International Gita Jayanti celebrations had helped establish Kurukshetra’s identity internationally and reiterated the government’s aim of developing the region across multiple sectors.
