Kurukshetra’s Mahabharata-themed centre unlikely to be ready by Oct-end

After repeated delays, the Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra (Mahabharata-themed interpretation centre) at Jyotisar Tirtha in Kurukshetra is still not expected to be fully ready by October-end. Of its five planned galleries, two were inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February last year. However, even those two open only occasionally.

What is the project about?

Large numbers of devotees and tourists visit Jyotisar to pay obeisance. To develop it further as a major destination, the state government launched a Rs 250-crore project to set up a Mahabharata-themed interpretation centre. The galleries will depict themes such as the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Vedic civilisation, Kurukshetra, the 48-kos Kurukshetra region and the 18-day battle of the Mahabharata. Augmented reality, artificial intelligence, holograms and other modern technologies will be used. Visitors will also learn about the Kuru dynasty and the events leading up to the epic war.

When was it launched?

The project began in 2018 with a completion target of 2021. It has missed all deadlines since, delayed by Covid, funding gaps, consultant appointments, administrative issues and heavy rainfall. Two of the five galleries were inaugurated in February 2023, but the project remains unfinished.

What is the current status?

According to Upender Singhal, Honorary Secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), the work is now in its “last leg” and should be completed by October-end. The government wants to open the centre ahead of the International Gita Mahotsav in November. Singhal said most work was done, with some execution pending. The Haryana Tourism Corporation is implementing the project, while regular inspections are being carried out. Once finished, it is expected to offer visitors a vibrant, immersive glimpse into Kurukshetra’s history.

Why has it taken so long?

Officials say the centre is a large, intricate project where attention is being paid to every detail. Customised installations and displays are being procured and designed to specification, which has added to delays.

n What is expected from the Centre?

According to Madan Mohan Chhabra, chairman of the 48-kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee, visitors will be able to engage with little-known episodes from the Mahabharata. The centre, he said, would help the KDB attract more domestic and international tourists, with the aim of making Jyotisar Anubhav Kendra a globally renowned attraction.

Haryana Tribune