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The state-level Ratnawali Mahotsav, which preserves Haryana’s rich folk culture and artistic traditions, was inaugurated with grandeur on Tuesday at Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra. Haryana Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the Mahotsav by lighting the traditional lamp. On this occasion, the Chief Minister said that this Mahotsav reflects the glorious heritage of Haryana and the vibrant glimpse of rural life. It not only provides students an opportunity to enhance their talent but also instills in them a deep sense of pride in their cultural identity. He added that Ratnawali Mahotsav is not merely a cultural event but an inspiring platform to reconnect with our roots and identity. During the programme, Chief Minister and Heritage & Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma felicitated Padma Sant Ram Deshwal and Anoop Lather for their outstanding contributions in the field of art and culture. The dignitaries also released the ‘Ratnawali Times’ magazine, published in the Haryanvi dialect. In his address, Nayab Singh Saini said he is delighted to be among energetic youth. It is heartening to see the younger generation remain deeply connected to India’s culture and traditions, he said. He remarked that Ratnawali Mahotsav acts as a bridge linking the youth to their roots. It is a remarkable effort to preserve, protect, and pass on our cultural heritage to future generations, he said. Referring to Lord Krishna’s message of Karma Yoga, the Chief Minister stated that Haryana’s culture is imbued with simplicity, self-respect, and patriotism and Ratnawali Mahotsav celebrates these very values. The artists emerging from this platform not only bring glory to the state but also make the nation proud at the international level, said the Chief Minister. Youth should remain connected with education as well as with their culture and heritage-CM The Chief Minister emphasized that the youth are the future torchbearers of the state and the custodians of culture. It is encouraging to see their enthusiasm and awareness towards their heritage. Education imparts knowledge and skills, he said, but culture gives us values and identity, he said. Nayab Singh Saini further said that the traditional attire, folk dances, songs, Haryanvi Saang and Ragini, and even the huts displayed here are not mere exhibits but invaluable treasures of our ancestors. He urged the youth to stay connected with both education and their cultural heritage. The Chief Minister said that Kurukshetra University is the oldest university in Haryana. Although the state was formed in 1966, the university was established in 1956 by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. This university has played a vital role in Haryana’s educational, economic, and social development, he said. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana today stands as a leading state in education, sports, culture, research, and industry, and Kurukshetra University has significantly contributed to this reputation. It ranks among the premier institutions in India for education, research, skill development, sports, arts, and culture, he said. The Chief Minister said that artists who dedicate their lives to preserving Haryana’s ancient art and culture are honoured with the ‘Haryana Ratna Award’. Similarly, those who have contributed immensely to Haryanvi theatre and dance also receive this prestigious award annually, he said. Ratnawali Mahotsav – The Grand Confluence of Haryanvi Culture The Chief Minister said that the Ratnawali Mahotsav has been organized at Kurukshetra University for the past 38 years, playing a vital role in Haryana’s cultural journey. This Mahotsav is regarded as the ‘Maha Kumbh of Haryanvi Culture’, featuring approximately 3,500 young artists showcasing their talents in 34 different folk art forms representing diverse dialects like Ahir, Bangar, Bagar, Khadar, and Mewati. He congratulated and extended his best wishes to all the participating students. Nayab Singh Saini said that every year new creative efforts are made to engage the youth. In previous editions, competitions like “Pagri Bandhao, Photo Khinchwao” and “Selfie with Haryanvi” were organized to revive regional traditions. This year, the festival includes a presentation of ‘Loor Nritya’, a nearly extinct folk dance form of Haryana, as well as a Haryanvi Fashion Show that has become a major attraction. Competitions such as ‘Haryana Ki Sangeet Yatra’, ‘Haryana Food Fair’ , ‘Haryana Art Fair’, and ‘Sun Gita Ka Gyaan’ are expected to become the defining features of this Mahotsav in the coming years. Government aims to establish Haryana as a centre of cultural heritage along with agricultural and industrial growth The Chief Minister said that the government aims to build a strong bridge between education and culture. He noted that culture and tourism complement each other when we respect and promote our cultural heritage, we also attract tourists from across the world. With places like Kurukshetra, Karnal, and Panchkula, Haryana has immense potential for cultural tourism. The government’s vision is to make Haryana a hub not only for agriculture and industry but also for cultural heritage, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini. He added that the state government organizes various programmes and Melas for local artists with the Gita Mahotsav and Surajkund Crafts Mela already world-renowned. Such events provide folk artists with opportunities to showcase and refine their art before global audiences. He urged everyone to collectively preserve their culture, take pride in their art, learn it, and pass it on to others. Ratnawali – A platform for learning, not competition Encouraging all participants, the Chief Minister said that Ratnawali is not a platform for competition but for learning and gaining experience. Every participant here is a winner, as they express their devotion and love for their culture. He expressed hope that this festival will become even grander and more impactful in the years to come. “Together, let us strengthen Haryana’s unique cultural identity,” he said. Ratnawali Mahotsav has grown into a magnificent tradition – Vice Chancellor Prof. Somnath Sachdeva Welcoming the Chief Minister, Kurukshetra University Vice Chancellor Prof. Somnath Sachdeva said that Ratnawali began in 1985 as part of Haryana Day celebrations with just 8–10 art forms. Today, it has expanded immensely, with 3,500 participants this year. What started as a small sapling has now grown into a vast banyan tree. Ratnawali has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Haryana’s culture. This year, the university has resolved to promote Haryana’s traditional folk art Sanjhi across the country. Former Minister, Subhash Sudha, Chairman, Dharmveer Mirzapur, Vice Chairman, Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board, Dhuman Singh Kirmach, and several other dignitaries were present on this occasion. CM Nayab Singh Saini Inspects Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra in Kurukshetra, Issues Necessary Directions to Officers Jyotisar being developed as the world’s most magnificent historical site: CM CM directs officials to expedite completion of Jyotisar development works Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country’s cultural heritage has been strengthened. To preserve this legacy, a project based on the Mahabharata theme is being developed at Jyotisar. Under this initiative, Gita Sthali Jyotisar is being developed from a tourism perspective to make it the world’s most magnificent historical site. The Chief Minister was inspecting the Anubhav Kendra located at Jyotisar Tirth in Kurukshetra district on Tuesday. On this occasion, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj, and Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi were also present. The Chief Minister closely inspected various sections of the Kendra, including the Reception Hall, Mahakavya Creation Room, Ancient Mahabharata, Kuru Lineage, Gita Shlokas, Lord Krishna’s Role, Dashavatar, and others, and gave necessary directions to the officers. He said that tourists from India and abroad will be able to witness the living history of Kurukshetra at the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra. During the visit, Principal Secretary of the Heritage and Tourism Department, Kala Ramachandran, apprised the Chief Minister in detail about the features of the Anubhav Kendra through a PPT presentation. The Chief Minister directed that all development works should be completed at the earliest so that tourists visiting here can witness the history of the Mahabharata and Kurukshetra. Nayab Singh Saini said that Lord Shree Krishna delivered the sermon of the Gita from the sacred land of Kurukshetra. Keeping in mind the glorious history of this sacred land, the government is accelerating development works at Jyotisar. Therefore, concerned officers should ensure that the development works are completed within the stipulated time frame. On this occasion, former Minister Subhash Sudha, Commissioner and Secretary of the Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture Department Dr. Amit Kumar Agrawal, Director General K. Makarand Pandurang, Director of Tourism Department Dr. Shaleen, Deputy Commissioner Vishram Kumar Meena, Honorary Secretary of KDB Upender Singhal, Chairman Madan Mohan Chhabra, and others were present. Providing health facilities near people’s homes priority of government: Arti Singh Rao Approval granted to open a Primary Health Centre in Dulheri village and Sub Health Centre in Khilluka village Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the state government is committed to providing health facilities to people near their homes. Along with cities and towns, new health centres are being opened in rural areas as well, and several health institutions are being upgraded in view of the growing population. Arti Singh Rao shared this information while listening to the grievances of people who met her at her office in Chandigarh today. She informed that, on the demand of villagers, approval has been granted to upgrade the existing Sub Health Centre in Dulheri village of Bhiwani district into a Primary Health Centre. The process for the appointment of a medical officer and other staff will be initiated soon. The Health Minister further stated that approval has also been given to open a Sub Health Centre in village Khilluka of Palwal district, and instructions have been issued to start the recruitment process for staff there as well. She said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is continuously striving to provide affordable and accessible medical services to the people of the state. The Health Department is procuring essential medicines and equipment to ensure that citizens receive treatment at a reasonable cost. CISF officially takes over security of Bhakra Dam Project In a significant step to bolster the security of one of India’s most critical infrastructure projects, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has officially taken over the security responsibilities of the Bhakra Dam project, situated between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. IG, CISF (North Sector) Navjyoti Gogoi, DIG CISF (North Zone-II) M K Yadav, and Chairman, BBMB, Sh. Manoj Tripathi, along with the Unit Commander, CISF Unit BDP Nangal, Sh. Prateek Raghuvanshi graced the occasion. The Induction ceremony at the dam marked the formal handover from state police to CISF. The Bhakra Dam (in Himachal Pradesh) and Nangal Dam(in Punjab) is a concrete gravity dam on the Sutlej River in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, forming the Gobind Sagar Reservoir. It stands 226 m high and 518 m long. The Gobind Sagar Reservoir, extending 90 km and covering 168 square kilometers, can store 9.34 billion cubic meter of water. Sharing information in this regard a CISF spokesperson said that the dams were guarded by the police forces of their respective states, overseen by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). However, due to emerging risks of sabotage and terrorism, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned the deployment of a dedicated CISF unit comprising 296 armed personnel earlier in May 2025 of this year. The spokesperson said that the CISF team will secure key areas such as the Dam walls, water gates, power stations, and access to entry points. The state police have been moved to smaller support roles to help the Bhakra Beas Management Board with overall security.
