Within the long history of culturally rich civilization of India, Kurukshetra holds a special place. Kurukshetra is the birthplace of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita––the most sacred scripture in Sanatana Dharma, Eternal Dharma, commonly known as Hinduism. Kurukshetra is also the Dharmakshetra where Great War of Mahabharata was fought to re-establish the reign of Dharma. Moreover, the old town of Thanesar was the capital city of King Harsha (606–647 AD). The city is situated at the heart of the modern-day state of Haryana whence the greatest manuscripts of the Vedic religion sprang in ancient India. A holy- heritage city and a university town, Kurukshetra city is home to numerous heritage and pilgrimage sites, including Brahma Sarovar, Sannihit Sarovar, Jyotisar, Sthaneshwara Mahadev Temple, Bhadrakali Temple––one of the 51 Sakti Pithas (seat of Shakti), and Bhishma Kund. The city has witnessed a cultural revival in recent decades. In 1987, Shri Krishna Museum was established by Kurukshetra Development Board. Since 2016, Kurukshetra city has been organising the annual International Gita Mahotsav (or Grand Festival). Kurukshetra Development Board has undertaken projects to revive several cultural heritage sites. All of this has contributed to the re-emergence of Kurukshetra city. However, given its cultural significance, the cultural geography of Kurukshetra has received little attention from scholars. Within the framework of this important IGU session, the paper will discuss key features of the cultural geography, heritage sites, and tourism that are contributing to the re-emerging identity of Kurukshetra as a holy-heritage city and an international pilgrimage centre.
Mots clés : Cultural Geography|Cultural Identity|Kurukshetra|Heritage|Tourism
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