Haryana government comes out with list of 30 new tirthas

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, December 1

As many as 30 new “tirthas” are being included in the list of “tirthas” falling under 48-kos land, increasing the number to 164 from the current 134. These are spread over five districts, — Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Panipat and Jind districts. Of the 30 “tirthas”, 13 have been identified in Kurukshetra, 10 in Kaithal, six in Karnal, and one in Jind district. An International Gita Mahotsav Committee will also be constituted for the future celebrations of the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM).

This was informed by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who was addressing the media on the occasion of curtain-raiser event for the IGM at Purushottam Pura Bagh of Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra on Wednesday.

Trains to Mathura, Hardwar

The railway station is also being renovated and efforts are being made to run trains from here to Mathura and Hardwar. —Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana CM

The mahotsav will begin on December 2 and the main events will start from December 9. The CM said, “Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Gita here in Kurukshetra. Gita is for everyone, and the government has been making all efforts to promote Kurukshetra at the world level. Gita has also been an inspiration for freedom fighters, and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav-themed programmes will be conducted to honour their sacrifice. So far, there were 134 “tirthas” under the 48-kos land, some “tirthas” remained unnoticed but they have been identified and are being included in the list. In the coming years, events will be organised at all 164 “tirthas” during the mahotsav.”

“The state government has been getting support from the Centre and had been allocated Rs 97.35 crore under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. Jyotisar, the birthplace of Gita, is being developed, and it will be a centre of attraction. A 40-ft Virat Swaroop of lord Krishna has been installed. Latest multimedia techniques will be used to present Mahabharata, Gita, Saraswati river and vedic civilisation there. The government is spending Rs 205 crore on the project. All main entry points of Kurukshetra city will have welcome gates”, he added. “The contribution of social and religious organisation in the IGM is increasing and it has been decided to get an International Gita Mahotsav Samiti constituted and registered for planning and organising the mahotsav in coming years. The state government, district administration and Kurukshetra Development Board will assist the committee”, the CM said. He also directed the officials to ensure Covid guidelines were also followed during the mahotsav. Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sandeep Singh, MP Nayab Saini, Thanesar MLA Subhash Sudha, and Swami Gyananand were among those present on the occasion.