Rakhigarhi (Hisar), Oct 19: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday inaugurated the seven-day Rakhigarhi Mahotsav, a festival celebrating one of the world's largest Indus Valley civilisation sites. The site at Rakhigarhi, near Hansi in Hisar district, is spread over more than 350 hectares and dates back roughly 5,000 years.
The Chief Minister announced a grant of ₹51 lakh for the Rakhigarhi panchayat. He was presented with a traditional gada (mace) as an honour at the inauguration ceremony.
Rakhigarhi is considered among the largest Harappan-era settlements, larger in spread than many better-known sites, and excavations there have drawn national attention to Haryana's place in the Indus Valley story. The week-long mahotsav features cultural programmes and exhibitions centred on the archaeological site.
Officials said the festival is aimed at promoting heritage tourism in the region and giving local residents a stake in protecting the ancient mounds, which continue to yield finds from one of the world's earliest urban civilisations.
Rakhigarhi, Oct 19 • Seven-day Rakhigarhi Mahotsav inaugurated by CM Nayab Singh Saini • Site spread over 350+ hectares, among the world's largest Indus Valley settlements • ₹51 lakh grant announced for the Rakhigarhi panchayat • CM honoured with a traditional gada
Sources: Nation Press; The Tribune.