Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday inaugurated the seven-day Rakhigarhi Festival 2026, highlighting the archaeological site’s historical importance and the state government’s plans to strengthen heritage conservation, research and tourism.
Held under the theme ‘Mati Se Mahotsav Tak’ (From Soil to Festival), the event began on October 19 and will continue for seven days. Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma was also present at the inauguration.
During the programme, Saini assured the Rakhigarhi village panchayat that its demands would be addressed and announced financial assistance of Rs 51 lakh for the panchayat.
The Chief Minister said Rakhigarhi represents thousands of years of history and offers insights into the skills, livelihoods and social organisation of an ancient civilisation. He said the government was working to preserve the site while making its historical significance accessible to a wider audience.
Rs 188 Crore Plan For Rakhigarhi Museum And Interpretation Centre
A key announcement concerned the development of the museum and interpretation centre being built at Rakhigarhi. According to the Chief Minister, the civil construction work is almost complete, with the next phase planned at an estimated cost of Rs 188 crore to develop the facility to international standards.
The government is also working to give Rakhigarhi a stronger place on India’s tourism map. Saini said efforts were underway to secure the site’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, while national and international experts were being invited to conduct research on its archaeological remains.
The government has also proposed a Saraswati-Indus Civilisation Corridor to improve tourism links and coordination between important archaeological sites.
Rakhigarhi is among the five archaeological locations identified for development as iconic sites by the central government, according to the state government’s announcement.
What Is The Significance Of Rakhigarhi?
Rakhigarhi is an important archaeological site associated with the Harappan or Indus Valley Civilisation. Excavated remains, including pottery, beads, seals and craft-related objects, provide evidence of ancient material culture and the activities of people who lived there.
Addressing the festival, Saini said the site offers lessons not only about the past but also about settlement planning, agriculture, craftsmanship and community life. He encouraged young people to learn about their local heritage and share accurate information through digital platforms.
The Chief Minister also urged teachers and parents to take children to historical sites and museums so they could develop a stronger understanding of the region’s past. He suggested that schools could organise activities such as quizzes on Rakhigarhi to encourage interest among students.
An international conference is also being held as part of the festival, bringing scholars together to discuss archaeological evidence from the site, recent discoveries and opportunities for future research.
Haryana Plans More Heritage And Tourism Projects
Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma said efforts were being made to raise Rakhigarhi’s international profile and attract visitors from abroad. He said increased tourism could support local development and create employment opportunities.
Sharma also highlighted archaeological evidence related to ancient water management, sanitation, agriculture and craft production, saying the festival offered young people an opportunity to engage with this heritage.
Amit Agrawal, Commissioner and Secretary of the Heritage and Tourism Department, said the festival had reached its third edition and was designed to connect students from nearby schools and colleges with the region’s history.
He said plans were also being pursued for an open museum and a site museum at Rakhigarhi. The structure of the site museum has been prepared, and the department aims to complete it before the next festival.
The state government is also undertaking conservation and development initiatives at other heritage locations. These include the old tehsil building in Nuh, Loharu Fort and the tomb complex at Tawdu, which have been declared state-protected monuments. A state-of-the-art archaeological museum is also being established in Sector 5, Panchkula.
The government has further introduced the ‘Kalash’ state art and culture policy to support the protection, preservation and promotion of Haryana’s artistic and cultural heritage.
The Rakhigarhi Festival is intended to bring archaeological history closer to the public through exhibitions, cultural activities, demonstrations and educational initiatives. During his visit, Saini toured the developing museum, visited festival stalls and reviewed activities, including an archaeological excavation demonstration displaying the process and recovered artefacts.
