Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday, 19 October 2026, inaugurated the seven-day Rakhigarhi Festival 2026 at the archaeological site of Rakhigarhi in Hisar district, calling it a living testament to India's ancient civilisation and announcing a financial grant of ₹51 lakh for the village panchayat. The festival, themed 'Maati Se Mahotsav Tak' (From Earth to Festival), draws attention to one of the world's largest known Harappan-era sites.

What the Chief Minister Said

Addressing the inaugural gathering, Saini said the soil of Rakhigarhi preserved the legacy of hard work, craftsmanship, and advanced civilisation of India's ancestors. He described the site as a symbol of a 'thousands-of-years-old identity, cultural affinity and pride' for the region.

Drawing a philosophical parallel, the Chief Minister said the same soil becomes food in a farmer's hands, takes form in a potter's hands, and becomes cultural expression through an artist's craft. He also compared Rakhigarhi to Kurukshetra, noting that while Kurukshetra conveyed the message of action and duty, Rakhigarhi revealed the story of an organised human civilisation stretching back millennia.

Key Announcements and Activities

Saini assured the village panchayat that demands submitted through a memorandum would be addressed, and announced ₹51 lakh in financial assistance to support local development. Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma was also present at the event, alongside Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department Commissioner and Secretary Amit Agrawal.

Before the formal inauguration, the Chief Minister visited the museum under construction at the site and reviewed stalls, sports activities, and other exhibits. He also witnessed a demonstration by the Archaeology Department explaining the excavation process and showcasing artefacts recovered from the digs. Saini, Sharma, and Agrawal together examined a seal on display at the site.

Significance of Rakhigarhi

Rakhigarhi is considered one of the largest known sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation, predating many contemporaries by several centuries. The archaeological remains unearthed here — including pottery, beads, seals, and craft objects — offer rare insights into the evolution of agriculture, craftsmanship, and social organisation in the ancient world.

The festival, the Chief Minister noted, is intended to give citizens an opportunity to reconnect with their roots and appreciate their responsibilities towards future generations. An ongoing museum project at the site is expected to further institutionalise this cultural heritage for domestic and international visitors.

Broader Heritage Push

The event is part of Haryana's broader effort to position Rakhigarhi as a premier heritage tourism destination. With excavations still ongoing and the site's full extent yet to be mapped, authorities see cultural festivals as a vehicle for raising awareness and driving footfall to one of archaeology's most consequential active digs in South Asia.