Gujarat CM to Inaugurate Galteshwar Van at 76th Van Mahotsav in Kheda

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — To further promote the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, the State Government will celebrate the state-level 76th Van Mahotsav at Galteshwar Mahadev Temple in Sarnal village, Kheda district, under the leadership of Chief Minister  Bhupendra Patel on August 30. 

Kheda district is set to receive a gift with the inauguration of Galteshwar Van, from the Forest Department, the 24th cultural forest spread over an area of five hectares. The inauguration ceremony, to be held at 10 a.m., will be led by the Chief Minister in the presence of dignitaries, who will also distribute benefits and certificates to beneficiaries. Located on the banks of the Mahisagar River, the forest with over 300 species will significantly enrich the region’s biodiversity, as stated by the Forest and Environment Department.

Key Attractions of Galteshwar Van

The 24th cultural forest of Gujarat, Galteshwar Van, developed in Central Gujarat, has been created with a new vision and will feature several unique attractions. These include: Entrance Area, Bilipatra Van, Shivling Van, a large Shiva idol, gazebos, a butterfly garden, children’s play area, Matruvan, Charotar Complex honoring eminent personalities of the region, Galteshwar Diorama, watchtower, Nandi Van with rare species, bamboo mist tunnel, nature education site, maze garden, check dam, A Sarus bird  sculpture, Aarogya Van, Charak Van with sculptures, Panchvati Van with five sacred trees (Peepal, Bel, Amla, Banyan, and Ashoka), Nakshatra Van representing 27 constellations, Rashi Van showcasing the 12 zodiac signs, Navgrah Van, photo points, A vertical section of a termite mound, a honeybee life cycle display, crossing bridge with railings, and a well-equipped canteen.

Furthermore, with the perennial Mahi River flowing beside the Galteshwar Mahadev temple, the entire region remains lush and green. The development of this forest, a significant attraction for visitors, is expected to boost the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the standard of living of the local community.

Religious and Mythological Significance of Galteshwar

Galteshwar, located in Thasra taluka of Kheda district, holds a distinct place among Gujarat’s historical, mythological, and religious tourism sites. Situated near Sarnal village at the confluence of the Mahisagar and Galti rivers, the shrine derives its name from the Galti river. Just 10–12 km from the renowned pilgrimage site of Dakor, Galteshwar Mahadev attracts over 25 lakh devotees and tourists annually. The temple has also been declared a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Department.

On the banks of the Mahisagar River, Galteshwar Mahadev draws around 700–1,200 visitors daily for darshan and ritual bathing in the river. A grand fair is also held here every year on the occasion of Mahashivratri.

History of Van Mahotsav

Nearly 76 years ago, when environmental awareness was minimal, the then Minister of Agriculture and Food  and renowned writer of Gujarat, Late Kanhaiyalal Munshi, initiated the first Van Mahotsav celebration at Anand. This festival, which has since become a legacy of conserving nature, now completes 76 years.

Cultural forests are unique plantations that reflect India’s diverse traditions. With the vision of blending environment and culture, the initiative of developing cultural forests was launched in 2004 under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister.

As part of Van Mahotsav, the first such cultural forest, Punit Van, was established in Gandhinagar, themed around planets, constellations, zodiac signs, and culture. Since then, a chain of cultural forests has been developed across various districts, and to date, 23 such forests have been created in Gujarat. Today, these forests not only serve the cause of environmental conservation but have also evolved into important tourist destinations. On the occasion of the 76th Van Mahotsav, the 24th cultural forest, Galteshwar Van, will be inaugurated.