Rakhigarhi festival begins at Harappan site

Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma inaugurated the three-day Rakhigarhi festival being organised at the Harappan-era site in Rakhigarhi village of the district today.

The festival featured various exhibition stalls, traditional games and cultural activities, drawing participation from thousands of people.

During the opening ceremony, Sharma said Rakhigarhi was the largest site of the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation which symbolises the ancient cultural heritage. “It provides us with insights into a 7,000-year-old civilisation and the life, art and culture of the people from that era," he said.

The minister also said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rakhigarhi has been included as one of India’s five iconic sites, showcasing the historical importance of this region. He emphasised that this festival will not only familiarise people with rich cultural roots but will also enhance tourism and create job opportunities in the region.

On the first day of the festival, besides the exhibition stalls, traditional games such as matka race, sack race, tug-of-war and wrestling competitions were held.

The official spokesperson informed that the closing ceremony of the festival will be attended by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on December 22. The minister said that this event will not only promote the state's culture but also generate new employment opportunities.

This festival has been a significant effort to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Rakhigarhi while also connecting the younger generation with their roots, the Minister added.

He further said an international-level museum is being constructed at this site, with work nearly completed, to preserve the ancient artefacts recovered during excavations at the site.

The event was also attended by Principal Secretary, Tourism, Kala Ramachandran, Director of Haryana Archaeological Museum, Amit Khatri and several other senior officials.