The Kurukshetra Development Board is developing a Mahabharata-themed Archery Experience Zone at Srikrishna Museum, aiming to increase visitor footfall and generate additional revenue. The new attraction will incorporate elements inspired by the epic Mahabharata to recreate the ambience of that era.
Traditional Elements and Design
Traditional battle flags of Bhishma and Acharya Drona, carrying their historical insignia, have already been installed at the site. A life-size cut-out of Acharya Drona will also be erected, while specially designed chariot-inspired seating areas are being created for visitors.
According to museum officials, the archery facility has been designed for three age groups — 7 to 14 years, 14 to 20 years and above 20 years — with all the necessary equipment already procured. Visitors will be provided with six arrows per session. The project is currently in its final stage of development.
Immersive Cultural Experience
Curator-cum-Artist of Srikrishna Museum Balwan Singh said a large number of tourists visit Kurukshetra every year and many also visit the museum, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. "Visitors invariably associate the sacred land with the epic Mahabharata. Seeking to transform that historical association into an immersive cultural experience, we are developing a unique Mahabharata-themed Archery Experience Zone within the museum campus," he said.
Balwan Singh said the archery activity would help visitors understand ancient archery traditions in an engaging and meaningful manner. The initiative is aimed particularly at students, young visitors and families, making museum visits more interactive and memorable.
Revenue and Partnership Model
He said the project was expected to increase visitor footfall while also generating additional revenue, as a nominal fee would be charged for the archery experience. Two huts will also be constructed for visitors. Balwan Singh added that visitors would also be introduced to the lives and achievements of celebrated archers from the Mahabharata, including Acharya Drona, Arjuna, Karna, Eklavya, Abhimanyu and Bhishma, enabling them to appreciate not only their martial excellence but also the values of discipline, dedication, courage and the guru-disciple tradition.
"The Archery Experience Zone is proposed to be operated through a trained professional agency on a public-private partnership (PPP) model to ensure the highest standards of safety and visitor management. The facility is planned as a self-sustainable model that will not only enrich the visitor experience but also contribute to the museum’s long-term development," he said.
Official Endorsement
Pankaj Setia, Chief Executive Officer of the Kurukshetra Development Board, said the Mahabharata-themed Archery Experience Zone would offer visitors, particularly students and young people, an opportunity to engage with India’s cultural and martial heritage in an interactive manner. "We believe this initiative will add a new dimension to experiential tourism in Kurukshetra and further strengthen the museum’s appeal," Setia said.
