Context:

• The International Saraswati Mahotsav is an annual festival celebrated in Haryana, India, dedicated to the veneration of the Saraswati River, which is believed to have ancient origins in the region.

Key Points:

• This event serves as a confluence of culture, heritage, and tradition, aiming to promote Haryana's rich civilization to a global audience. The festival not only honors the historical significance of the Saraswati River but also showcases the vibrant cultural tapestry of Haryana, making it a pivotal event in the state's calendar.

Historical significance of the saraswati river

• The Saraswati River holds a distinguished place in ancient Indian scriptures and is considered a sacred river in Hinduism. Historical and scientific research suggests that the river flowed parallel to the Indus River system around 6000 B.C.
• Originating in the Himalayas, the Saraswati traversed through the western part of the Indo-Gangetic plains, receiving tributaries such as the Satluj, Yamuna, Chautang, and Drishadvati before emptying into the Arabian Sea via Gujarat's Rann of Kutch.
• Over time, due to climatic and tectonic shifts in the Himalayan region, the river gradually disappeared around 3000 B.C. Despite its disappearance, the river's legacy remains an integral part of India's cultural and historical narrative, symbolizing the connection between nature and civilization.

The 2025 International Saraswati Mahotsav

• The International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025 was a seven-day event held recently, inaugurated by Haryana Chief Minister at Adi Badri in the Yamunanagar district.
• The Mahotsav featured a diverse array of seminars, cultural programs, and a Saras Mela. The event was organized by the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board, reflecting the state's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
• The festival was celebrated for seven days, mirroring the grand scale of the Geeta Jayanti celebrations. The primary venue was Pehowa Saraswati Tirtha Sthal, with events extending from Adi Badri to Pehowa. The Mahotsav showcased Haryana’s cultural heritage, traditions, and art forms, with over 100 craftsmen presenting traditional arts and crafts. Additionally, 25 stalls displayed Haryana’s cultural heritage, while more than 15 stalls from central and state government bodies and 10 food court stalls offered traditional Haryana cuisine.

Objectives of the Mahotsav

The International Saraswati Mahotsav aims to achieve several key objectives:

• Promotion of heritage and tourism: The festival seeks to promote Haryana's rich heritage and boost tourism by attracting visitors from both national and international locations. By showcasing the state's cultural wealth, the Mahotsav aims to position Haryana as a significant tourist destination.
• Platform for local artisans: The event provides a global platform for local artists and craftsmen to showcase their skills and products. The Saras Mela, in particular, is designed to display products from rural artisans, offering them a market platform to sell their goods and gain recognition.
• Preservation of civilization: The Mahotsav aims to preserve India's rich civilization for future generations by drawing global attention to its historical and cultural significance. By celebrating the legacy of the Saraswati River, the festival reinforces the importance of cultural heritage in contemporary society.

Government initiatives for river revival

The Haryana government has undertaken significant efforts to revive the Saraswati River, recognizing its cultural and historical importance. These efforts include:

• Water flow agreements: An agreement has been signed with Himachal Pradesh to ensure a perennial flow of water into the Saraswati River. This involves constructing a dam on the Som River (a Yamuna tributary), along with the Som-Saraswati barrage and a reservoir.
   
• River connectivity projects: Efforts are underway to connect rivers through the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB), constructing Saraswati sarovars and reservoirs to enhance water conservation and management.
   
• Archaeological excavations: Excavations have identified 633 archaeological sites along the Saraswati's path, with approximately 444 located in Haryana. These sites provide tangible evidence of the river's historical existence and its significance in ancient Indian civilization.