Chandigarh, December 23 - Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has announced the construction of memorials in honor of Sant Ravidas and Sikh Gurus at Pipli near Kurukshetra. The objective is to provide people with inspiration drawn from the teachings of these revered figures. Additionally, Chief Minister discussed the imminent launch of bus facilities to facilitate devotees' visits to the 48-kos pilgrimage sites near Kurukshetra.

Addressing saints and enlightened individuals during the 48 Kos Tirtha Sammelan in Kurukshetra today, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal released a book containing information about 182 pilgrimage sites within a 48-kos radius. He urged people to promote this book extensively.

The Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, in a symbolic gesture, bowed to the soil brought from the pilgrims in the 48 Kos area, deeming it sacred. He emphasized the unique confluence of Bhagavad Gita and the 48 Kos Tirthas, describing them as sources of inspiration. He highlighted the universal, eternal, and everlasting message of the Gita.

Referring to the pilgrimage sites within the 48 Kos radius as the land of virtue, the Chief Minister expressed the state government's commitment to developing these sites. There are 367 pilgrimage sites in the 48-kos land of Kurukshetra, situated between the holy Saraswati and Drishdwati rivers. Some of these sites are nearly extinct, and the state government is determined to renovate and restore their glory.

The Chief Minister informed that recent survey and documentation efforts added 18 new pilgrimages to the list of 164 in the 48 Kos of Kurukshetra land, bringing the total to 182. Survey and documentation are ongoing, and more pilgrimages may be added in the near future.

Providing details about development works in the surrounding districts, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal said  that 27 development works, costing approximately Rs 36 crore, were announced in 2017 and 2018 for the 48 Kos parikrama. Of these, Rs 23 crore has been spent, 15 works have been completed, 6 are in progress, and the remaining 6 have started.

He announced the renovation of Saraswati Tirtha Pehowa and the construction of Saraswati Dwar, with an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore. Over the last four years, Rs 51 crore has been sanctioned to the Kurukshetra Development Board for 64 development works. Out of this, Rs 28 crore has been released, with Rs 15 crore spent on completed works and 20 works in progress. Approval for 18 additional development works costing Rs 15 crore 66 lakh has been granted.

The Chief Minister revealed the government's effort to initiate pilgrimages to the 48 Kos Kurukshetra land, akin to the 84 Kosi Yatra of Braj land. Buses will connect these pilgrimages, with guides on board to enlighten passengers about the significance of these places. Trains have already been introduced on routes connecting Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra with Mathura and Haridwar.

Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal concluded by emphasizing the state government's commitment to elevate Kurukshetra to a national and international level of recognition through various religious development works.

Providing insights into the ongoing Geeta Mahotsav in Kurukshetra, Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal acknowledged the festival's growth since its inception in 2002. He expressed joy over the festival's fame, noting that around 30 lakh tourists had visited Kurukshetra and paid homage to Gita Sthali in just 17 days.

The Chief Minister appealed to villagers in the 48 Kos area to collaborate with the government in fostering development and beauty in their respective pilgrimage places.

Present at the event includes Mr. Subhash Sudha, President of Gita Gyan Sansthanam Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and other dignitaries.