Narnaund: Haryana Assembly Deputy Speaker Krishan Lal Midha visited the International Rakhigarhi Festival on Saturday, exploring exhibits showcasing artefacts recovered from the Harappan civilisation and interacting with representatives of government departments, self-help groups and local businesses.
Describing the festival as an important platform for connecting children, young people and senior citizens with India’s rich civilisational and cultural heritage, Midha said Rakhigarhi offers valuable insights into life thousands of years ago. He also visited stalls displaying local products and learned about the activities of participating organisations and entrepreneurs.
Harappan Heritage Offers a Window Into Ancient Life
Midha said the archaeological remains at Rakhigarhi help visitors understand how people lived around 5,000 years ago, including their clothing, jewellery, agricultural practices, settlements and social organisation.
He described Rakhigarhi as an important historical treasure not only for Haryana but for the entire country. Events such as the festival, he said, are essential for increasing the site’s national and international recognition while encouraging the preservation of its archaeological legacy.
Festival Promotes Indigenous Products and Local Enterprise
During his visit, the Deputy Speaker inspected stalls set up by government departments, self-help groups and entrepreneurs. He said the display and promotion of indigenous products aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on encouraging locally made goods.
Such platforms, he noted, provide artisans, small businesses and self-help groups with opportunities to showcase their products, reach new customers and increase sales.
Seven-Day Festival Expands Opportunities for Visitors
Midha said the festival, which was previously organised over three days, had been extended to seven days by the state government. The longer schedule gives tourists, historians, archaeologists, students and researchers more time to explore the site and understand its historical significance.
He also highlighted the development of facilities such as a museum, a guest house and a cafeteria, saying improved visitor amenities could help attract more people to Rakhigarhi. He credited the state government under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini with giving greater attention to the archaeological site.
Government Highlights Heritage Conservation and Development
Addressing visitors, Midha said Haryana and the country were progressing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. He argued that earlier governments had not given adequate attention to Rakhigarhi’s development, leaving several works incomplete for extended periods.
He said the present government had prioritised heritage conservation and tourism, while the BJP government had continued development and welfare initiatives over the past 12 years. He stressed that preserving historical sites must go hand in hand with improving facilities for tourists and strengthening the region’s cultural identity.
Social Values and a Drug-Free Haryana
Midha also spoke about government-organised celebrations of the birth anniversaries of saints and prominent social figures. Such programmes, he said, help spread their teachings and encourage values such as harmony, morality, mutual respect and positive thinking.
He urged people to incorporate the principles of these respected figures into their everyday lives rather than limiting them to commemorative events.
Addressing the issue of substance abuse, he appealed to young people to stay away from drugs. He said addiction can harm individuals, families and society, adding that efforts to build a drug-free Haryana require the participation of parents, teachers, community organisations and young people.
How Does the Festival Bring Heritage Closer to People?
Beyond its historical exhibits, the festival also offered visitors an opportunity to experience local culture and interact with one another. During his tour, Midha spoke with tourists and stall operators and enjoyed kulfi and an ice treat from a stall. He also shared a plate of pakoras with children, creating informal moments that drew attention from people at the event.
Midha said the festival combines heritage awareness with cultural activities, tourism promotion and support for local entrepreneurship. He encouraged more people to visit Rakhigarhi, learn about the region’s ancient past and contribute to preserving the country’s historical legacy.
