In a significant address at the concluding ceremony of the Saraswati Mahotsav 2026 in Pehowa, Kurukshetra, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasized the sacred Saraswati river's role as a unifying force for the entire nation, binding people in a holy bond of cultural unity. The event, organized by the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami at the Saraswati Tirtha, highlighted the state government's active efforts to rejuvenate this ancient river.
Major Projects Launched for River Revival
During the ceremony, CM Saini inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 26 projects with a total value of Rs 63.86 crore, aimed at the comprehensive revival of the Saraswati river. This included the inauguration of 16 projects costing Rs 27.59 crore and the laying of foundation stones for 10 projects worth Rs 36.27 crore. He also laid the foundation stone for a master plan dedicated to the holistic development of the Saraswati Tirtha, underscoring the government's commitment to preserving this cultural heritage.
Scientific and Cultural Initiatives
Saini revealed that the Haryana government is collaborating with over 75 premier research institutions, including ISRO, the Geological Survey of India, ONGC, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, and the Central Ground Water Board, to support the river's rejuvenation. Scientific studies conducted by these institutions have established that the Saraswati is not a mythical river; ancient river channels exist from Adi Badri to the Rann of Kutch, with groundwater dating back 5,000 to 14,000 years and links to glaciers in Himachal Pradesh.
Describing the Saraswati Mahotsav as a festival symbolizing the revival of ancient civilization and culture, Saini noted that it aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Rashtriya Gaurav Abhiyan. He recalled that as Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi had made efforts to revive the Saraswati by linking it with the waters of the Narmada and Sabarmati, and stated that Haryana is following a similar path through interlinking rivers and constructing Saraswati reservoirs and water bodies.
Tourism and Infrastructure Development
The Chief Minister announced plans to develop all major pilgrimage sites associated with the Saraswati river as dedicated Saraswati Tirthas. The government aims to transform the entire stretch from Adi Badri to Sirsa into a national tourism circuit, which will include historic locations such as Kurukshetra, Pehowa, Kaithal, Hisar, Rakhigarhi, Fatehabad, and Sirsa. This initiative is expected to boost tourism while creating new employment and business opportunities for the youth.
Highlighting infrastructure advancements, Saini mentioned that an historic agreement was signed with Himachal Pradesh, leading to the construction of a dam on the Som river and the Som-Saraswati barrage. Over the last decade, 18 new bridges have been built along Saraswati river routes, 111 heritage sites on its banks have been restored, and a Saraswati Vatika has been established in the Pehowa Saraswati forest. Additionally, a chapter on the Saraswati river has been included in NCERT textbooks to educate future generations.
Expanding Celebrations and Budget Insights
The CM noted that events related to the Saraswati Mahotsav are also being held at other locations, including Saraswati Nagar in Yamunanagar, Pundri and Kisal Tirtha in Kaithal, and Hans Dher Tirtha in Jind. Dhuman Singh Kirmach, vice-chairman of HSHDB, shared that although the board's budget is only Rs 6 crore, nearly Rs 100 crore is being spent on development works related to the Saraswati river due to the Chief Minister's dedicated efforts. Kirmach added that this marks the third major Saraswati Mahotsav, with the first held in 2017, and that pilgrimage sites, ponds, and ghats are being developed along the riverbanks.
Before the event, CM Saini, along with other dignitaries, offered prayers at the Saraswati temple and paid floral tributes to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Deen Bandhu Sir Chhotu Ram. Extending greetings to the people of Haryana, Saini expressed pride that Kurukshetra was carved out as a separate district on this day in 1973 and is now being developed at three times the previous pace. On this occasion, he also released a souvenir of the HSHDB titled The Saraswati River Gatha, celebrating the river's legacy and ongoing revival efforts.
