Rakhigarhi a legacy of craftsmanship, advanced civilisation: Haryana CM
In Short
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Saini said the soil of Rakhigarhi preserved the legacy of the hard work, craftsmanship and advanced civilisation of India's ancestors.
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Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini
Rakhigarhi (Haryana): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday inaugurated the seven-day Rakhigarhi Festival -- 2026 at Rakhigarhi in Hisar district, highlighting the archaeological site’s significance as a symbol of India's ancient civilisation and announcing a grant of Rs 51 lakh for the village panchayat.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Saini said the soil of Rakhigarhi preserved the legacy of the hard work, craftsmanship and advanced civilisation of India's ancestors. He described the historic site as a symbol of the region's thousands-of-years-old identity, cultural affinity and pride.
The festival's theme this year is ‘Maati Se Mahotsav Tak’ (From Earth to Festival). Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma was also present at the event.
The Chief Minister assured the village panchayat that its demands, submitted through a memorandum, would be addressed. He also announced financial assistance of Rs 51 lakh for the panchayat.
Before inaugurating the festival, Saini visited the museum under construction at Rakhigarhi and inspected various stalls, sports activities and other attractions organised at the site. He also reviewed a demonstration by the Archaeology Department explaining the excavation process and displaying artefacts recovered during archaeological digs.
Saini, Sharma and Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary Amit Agrawal also examined a seal displayed at the site.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the festival would provide an opportunity for people to reconnect with their roots and understand their responsibilities towards future generations.
Explaining the significance of the theme, he said the soil becomes food in a farmer's hands, takes shape in a potter's hands and becomes an expression of culture through an artist's work. While Kurukshetra conveyed the message of action and duty to humanity, Rakhigarhi revealed the story of an organised human civilisation dating back thousands of years, he said.
The archaeological remains at the site, including pottery, beads, seals and craft-related objects, offer valuable insights into the creativity of ancient communities and the evolution of human life, agriculture, craftsmanship and social organisation.
