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Kurukshetra’s Spiritual Charm Gets a Contemporary Twist
Kurukshetra, the land of the Mahabharata and sacred tirthas, is steadily emerging as a prime religious tourism hub thanks to its historic shrines, cultural legacy, and Mahabharata-linked sites. Now, contemporary abstract sculptures are infusing these holy places with a fresh, artistic dimension, drawing in both devotees and art enthusiasts.Building on the success of the ‘Gita Shilp Kala Udyan’ which features 21 striking contemporary abstract sculptures at Brahma Sarovar – another set of 16 monumental works is set to grace Saraswati Tirtha in Pehowa.
Saraswati Tirtha: A Pilgrimage Powerhouse Meets Modern Creativity
Saraswati Tirtha in Pehowa holds profound religious significance, attracting lakhs of visitors annually. Pilgrims come from across India to perform post-death rituals for loved ones and honor their ancestors, especially during the vibrant Chaitra Chaudas fair.These new sculptures emerged from a 15-day International Sculpture Symposium, organized by the Department of Art and Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board. The event formed a key highlight of the Saraswati Mahotsav at Pehowa Tirtha.Artists sourced 17 massive blocks of black Bhainslana marble – totaling nearly 85 tonnes – from Rajasthan. Working from single rock pieces, sculptors from Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh crafted the pieces.
Monumental Creations Born in Just 15 Days
Hirday Kaushal, Art and Cultural Officer (Sculpture) at the Department of Art and Cultural Affairs, Haryana, shared: “The artists have created 16 monumental modern sculptures in black marble, each standing 7 to 16 feet tall. These works offer an artistic and conceptual dialogue for the public, inspired by themes like the excavation of the Saraswati River, Haryana’s culture and civilization, and the ancient Sindhu-Saraswati heritage. We gave the artists complete creative freedom.”
He highlighted the artists’ remarkable dedication: “Typically, such large pieces take 20 to 30 days to complete, but these were finished in just 15 days here a testament to their skill and commitment.”
These initiatives are bolstering Haryana’s artistic and cultural identity, especially in contemporary public sculpture.
Permanent Installation and Lasting Impact
Although the sculptures are complete, final installation awaits the construction of sturdy pedestals. Designed for permanence, most will form a sculpture park at Pehowa Tirtha, with a few potentially placed at key spots along the Saraswati River. This addition promises to enhance the site’s aesthetic appeal, creating a richer experience for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Each sculpture carries a evocative title, including ‘Aviral Nirmal Gati Pragati’, ‘The Sacred Confluence’, ‘Symphonia Saras’, ‘The Excavation’, ‘Echoes of The Saraswati’, ‘Flow of Knowledge’, ‘Balance of Life’, ‘The Bull as Bearer of Saraswati Heritage’, ‘Prithvi-Stree’, ‘Jagat Janani’, ‘Tradition and Technique’, ‘Flow of Saraswati’, ‘The Akshyavat’, ‘Lipi Se Jeevan’, ‘Rebirth Saraswati Civilisation’, and ‘Save the Saraswati River’.Artist names, concepts, and details will be displayed alongside each piece, and a dedicated catalogue is in the works.
From Brahma Sarovar Success to Pehowa’s New Chapter
The 21 abstract sculptures at Brahma Sarovar, created during the 2021 International Gita Mahotsav, quickly became a major draw for visitors. Inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu in 2022, they marked Haryana’s first sculpture park and earned widespread praise – paving the way for this second project in Kurukshetra.
Reviving Sculpture Art and Boosting Local Talent
“The department is committed to reviving sculpture art in the state and providing platforms for young Haryana artists,” Kaushal added. “Symposiums like this create jobs, business opportunities, and promote art. These high-quality pieces could fetch lakhs in national and international markets. We’re confident they’ll help preserve traditional practices while introducing contemporary forms and advancing the art scene.
“With these developments, Kurukshetra is not just preserving its ancient spiritual essence it’s boldly embracing modern creativity to captivate a new generation of visitors.