Gita Mahotsav, also referred to as Bhagavad Gita Jayanti Samaroh, is a global festival that commemorates the birth of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. This sacred scripture contains the invaluable advice given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna during the Kurukshetra War in the Mahabharata, an event that occurred nearly 5152 years ago.
Organised by the Kurukshetra Development Board and Haryana Tourism, the festival highlights the universal relevance of the Gita’s teachings.
How did Gita Mohotsav originate?
In 2016, the Haryana Government elevated Gita Jayanti celebrations by declaring it the International Gita Mahotsav. This significant initiative attracted over two million visitors to Kurukshetra, marking a historic milestone in the festival’s observance. The event has since become an annual celebration.
Dates & venue of Gita Mohotsav
This year, Gita Mahotsav will take place from November 28 and will continue till December 15, 2024. It is observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Margashirsha, and the celebrations will be hosted in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
Activities at Brahma Sarovar
The Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, believed to be the site where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita, serves as the central venue for the festival. Events include Gita readings, yajnas, bhajans, aartis, and cultural performances like dramas and dances that celebrate the scripture’s timeless wisdom.
The festival is filled with activities that draw both tourists and pilgrims. Seminars and discussions by scholars and priests explore the Bhagavad Gita’s influence on humankind. Cultural programs, stage plays, and Gita chanting competitions provide platforms for participants, especially children, to showcase their talents.
Additionally, books, pamphlets, and leaflets containing the essence of the Bhagavad Gita are distributed, spreading its universal message of duty, devotion, and righteousness.
With its mix of cultural and spiritual events, Gita Mahotsav continues to inspire people across the globe. The festival honors the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita while fostering a deeper connection with its teachings.
