Haryana’s rural culture comes alive at exhibition

At the ten-day Swadeshi Mahotsav 2025 organised by Swadeshi Jagran Manch, the Heritage Cultural Exhibition set up by Virasat – The Heritage Village, Kurukshetra, drew high praise from Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Describing the exhibition as remarkable, the CM said it was effectively spreading the message of ‘Swadeshi’ to thousands of people. He added that the manner in which Haryana’s culture had been presented was unique, distinctive and truly inspiring.

The CM remarked that Swadeshi was the need of the hour, noting that not just Haryana but the entire nation now stands united behind it. He recalled the call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the ramparts of the Red Fort, ‘Swadeshi in every home’. Saini also released the Virasat brochure. Virasat in-charge Dr Mahavir Singh Punia and Swadeshi fair convenor Rajesh Goyal honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him with a memento.

Goyal said that tourists were showing enthusiasm for Haryana’s cultural exhibition. He added the exhibition features several popular selfie points, including a more than 100-year-old bullock cart, a Haryanvi woman carrying fodder, women operating a hand mill, a century-old indigenous hand pump, and a manually operated gandasa.

Virasat Heritage Village coordinator Dr Mahasingh Punia said that the exhibition showcased various styles of turbans representing Haryana’s heritage. A scene depicting a grandfather and grandson seated on a charpai has become a special attraction. Besides, artefacts linked to Haryana’s agricultural culture, such as ploughs, bull harnesses used in fields, well buckets, grain-measuring tools, seed-sowing implements, wooden cattle bells, and over 70-year-old farming tools, are drawing visitors’ attention. Leather-made containers and nearly 200-year-old utensils have also become a source of curiosity.

Spiritual pull

The stall set up by the Brahma Kumaris has emerged as a major centre of spiritual attraction at the Swadeshi Mahotsav. Open to the public till December 28, the stall is drawing visitors of all age groups with its unique blend of spirituality and modern technology.

The Brahma Kumaris stall offers spiritual counselling, information on Rajyoga meditation, and interactive experiences through VR-based visual tools and scientific stress-testing equipment. These facilities provide visitors with real-time insights into their mental state, helping them understand levels of stress and emotional stability.