Tourism Boost: Kurukshetra's Mahabharata Sites In Haryana To Be Developed

Major emphasis has been placed on safeguarding and cherishing Haryana's cultural roots as the state’s Heritage and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, revealed plans to make Kurukshetra and the surrounding regions into premium tourism spots. Kurukshetra which has remained well known for its historical views and mythological religious focal point, particularly its related sphere with the famous Mahabharata epic, is to be allocated a new tourism project under the name ‘Mahabharata Circuit’. Dr. Sharma shared this vision at the second conference on the Mahabharata Circuit held in Karnal when officers from Haryana Tourism and the Union Ministry of Tourism were present to talk about the region’s potential for progressive developments.

Kurukshetra's Mahabharata Sites In Haryana To Be Developed

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The Conference was organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism, with a focus on converting the historical sites of Kurukshetra, Karnal and Panipat into tourist destinations. Dr. Sharma suggested the introduction of similar facilities in Kurukshetra like those in pilgrimage town Vrindavan, which draws in millions of pilgrims every year to handle the influx of tourists. This programme aims at enhancing the infrastructure, developing facilities for the visitors and promoting the rich heritage of the region.

While speaking at a press conference, R K Suman, the Northern Regional Director of the Union Ministry of Tourism, said that the ministry is dedicated to enhance Kurukshetra’s image as a pilgrimage destination at the international scale. After the successful implementation of Ramayana and Krishna Circuits in various regions of northern India, the Mahabharata Circuit has been introduced with an initial investment of INR 200 crores. It is targeted at religious and historical circuits with an emphasis on encouraging pilgrimage and attracting interest of Indian and foreign tourists in general.

Reports suggest that over 130 industry stakeholders participated in the three-day Mahabharata Circuit Conference and Familiarisation Tour in Kurukshetra. The focus of this activity was to showcase the past glories of Kurukshetra and discuss measures to increase tourism therein.

The holy Brahma Sarover in Haryana is associated with God Brahma, and one can visit the Sri Krishna Museum filled with historical objects connected to Lord Krishna, Bhishma Kund which is famous for the legend about Bhishma lying on a bed of arrows and Jyotisar the place where the Bhagavad Gita was preached are a few of the prominent places making the Mahabharata Circuit. The Tomb of Sheikh Chihli, Gurudwara Navi Patshahi Sahib, Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple , and Bhadrakali Temple are also some attractions.

The Mahabharata Circuit extends to added territories in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in connection with their respective cities of historical and religious importance, such as Hastinapur, Mathura and Badrinath, to name a few. Going by the tourism department of Haryana, almost the entire area of Kurukshetra measuring about 147 sq km is dotted with a number of temples and other sacred and primeval reservoirs associated with the Mahabharata War and its core mythology.