Electric Buses, Mahabharat-Themed Gates, and Global Recognition: Kurukshetra’s Cultural Renaissance Underway

Chandigarh, June 18 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to placing Kurukshetra on the global map as a centre of cultural and spiritual significance. Speaking at the 82nd meeting of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), held under the chairmanship of Haryana Governor and KDB President Bandaru Dattatreya, Saini emphasized that the sacred land of Kurukshetra should visibly reflect its deep connection to the Mahabharata.

The meeting, also attended by Cabinet Minister Vipul Goel, saw detailed discussions on the city’s all-round development, with several announcements aimed at enhancing its historical, religious, and tourism potential.

Mahabharat-Inspired Urban Design

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the decision to design city entry gates and roundabouts based on Mahabharata themes. The Sudarshan Chakra structure near Jyotisar will be reconstructed with enhanced lighting and a statue of Lord Krishna. Entry gates to Brahma Sarovar will also be renamed to reflect mythological significance. Paintings and shlokas will adorn city walls and railway bridges, bringing alive the epic’s imagery.

Electric Buses to Connect Pilgrimage Circuit

Kurukshetra will soon witness the rollout of electric buses, aimed at providing eco-friendly transport to visitors and pilgrims. These buses will connect all major pilgrimage sites within the traditional 48 kos (sacred boundary) of Kurukshetra. Route maps will be displayed inside the buses, and daily travel passes will double as entry permits to important spiritual locations.

An updated survey conducted by a KDB committee has identified 18 new pilgrimage sites, in addition to the previously listed 164. Uniform design plans for the development of these sites—featuring standard colours, gates, parks, and halls—were presented in a detailed project presentation during the meeting.

New Information Centres by October

To make the pilgrimage experience seamless, four new information centres will be established at key locations: Pipli Bus Stand, Kurukshetra Railway Station, Jyotisar, and the KDB headquarters. These centres will offer detailed guides, booklets, and maps, helping visitors navigate religious sites, hotels, and tourist attractions.

Comprehensive Beautification and Historical Signage

CM Saini directed the installation of statues and signage at historic locations, explaining their spiritual and mythological relevance. For example, information boards at Ban Ganga and Bhishma Kund will describe their significance within the Mahabharata. Plans for landscaping, greenery, and beautification around Jyotisar and other key sites were also reviewed.

Spiritual Festivals and Global Partnerships

Governor Dattatreya proposed organizing at least 48 festivals annually across the 48 kos villages, involving local communities and elected representatives to rejuvenate regional traditions. Gita scholar Swami Gyananand suggested roping in Japan as a global partner for the International Gita Mahotsav and proposed hosting a Global Gita Summit in Haryana, attracting scholars from around the world.

Official Presence and Future Vision

The meeting was attended virtually by Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal. Other key attendees included MLAs, Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Sumita Mishra, Principal Secretary to CM Arun Gupta, Additional Principal Secretary Dr. Saket Kumar, KDB Member Secretary Vikas Gupta, CEO Pankaj Sethia, and senior spiritual and administrative figures.

The state government’s vision, as echoed in the meeting, is not just about modern development but a holistic revival of Kurukshetra’s identity as the cradle of dharma, wisdom, and world heritage.