CM Nayab Saini Launches Key Projects During Saraswati Mahotsav in Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra, Jan 23: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini participated in the closing ceremony of the International Saraswati Mahotsav held at Pehowa’s sacred Saraswati Tirth on Friday. The festival, organized by the Saraswati Development Board, began on January 19 and concluded on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami.

The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati before addressing the gathering. Extending greetings to the people of the state, he described the festival as a celebration of India’s ancient heritage and cultural revival.

In his address, CM Saini noted that the day also marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, observed nationally as Parakram Diwas. He added that Kurukshetra came into existence as a separate district on this very date in history. With the arrival of Basant Panchami symbolizing the change of seasons and the onset of spring, the Chief Minister conveyed his best wishes to citizens on the occasion.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 26 development projects collectively valued at ₹63.86 crore. These initiatives are aimed at the revival and preservation of the Saraswati river heritage and related infrastructure at the holy site.

Calling the Saraswati Mahotsav a movement to reconnect people with their civilizational roots, Saini said the festival is being observed across multiple districts in Haryana, reflecting the river’s importance not only as a water body but also as a cultural symbol.

The Chief Minister said the state government has been actively working to restore the ancient Saraswati river. He recalled the establishment of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Board in 2015, tasked with conducting research and implementing projects for the river’s rejuvenation.

According to him, the government is collaborating with 75 reputed institutions on research and conservation efforts. Plans are also underway to develop key locations associated with the river as major pilgrimage and heritage sites.

To ensure a consistent water flow, the Haryana government has signed an agreement with Himachal Pradesh. Over the past decade, 18 new bridges have been constructed along the identified course of the Saraswati river, strengthening connectivity and infrastructure in the region.

CM Saini further announced that the history and significance of the Saraswati river will be incorporated into NCERT school textbooks, aiming to educate future generations about India’s ancient heritage and the river’s cultural importance.

He described the Saraswati Heritage Project as a long-term initiative that links the past, present, and future through sustainable development.

The event saw participation from local leaders, officials, and a large number of devotees and visitors.