Kurukshetra board to revive pilgrimage routes to boost religious tourism

In an effort to promote religious tourism, the Kurukshetra Development Board has decided to revive the historic Ashtakosi (8-kos) Yatra of Kurukshetra’s pilgrimage sites. Modelled after the Braj 84-kosi parikrama, the first 8-kos yatra will be held on March 28, coinciding with the Chaitra Chaudas fair.

According to board officials, a complete route has been mapped out, allowing devotees to explore the history and significance of various tirthas (pilgrimage sites). The 8-kos yatra, covering approximately 24 km within Kurukshetra city, will serve as a precursor to the 48-kosi yatra, which will eventually extend across pilgrimage sites in Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Panipat and Jind districts.

The 8-kos yatra will commence at 4.30 am from Nabhikamal Tirtha and will include stops at Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Kuber Tirtha, Dadhichi Kund, Ban Ganga and Bhishma Kund before concluding at Nabhikamal Tirtha.

Apart from KDB, the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB) and various local religious and social organisations will play an active role in organising and promoting these yatras.

Upender Singhal, Honorary Secretary of the board, emphasised that the Ashtakosi Yatra was once a regular tradition in Kurukshetra but had been discontinued over time. “To boost religious tourism and educate visitors about the tirthas and their historical significance, we have decided to revive this yatra. A route map has been finalised, and soon, information boards will be installed across the city,” he said.

He further stated that the first yatra on March 28 will be strategically timed with the Chaitra Chaudas fair, which attracts a large number of devotees. The event will be promoted on the lines of the 84-kos parikrama of Braj, with strong support from local religious organisations.

Regarding the upcoming 48-kos yatra, Singhal highlighted that it will cover pilgrimage sites associated with various deities, sages and the Mahabharata. “Devotees will have the flexibility to choose their pilgrimage routes based on their preferences. Additionally, the board will introduce a bus service for the 48-kos yatra, and tenders will soon be floated for hiring buses.”

Singhal expressed confidence that these yatras will not only attract more tourists but also aid in the development of tirthas while ensuring that visitors receive authentic information about these sacred sites.