Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
International Gita Mahotsav from November 28 to December 15 in Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra -Haryana CM Saini
Gita Jayanti on December 11: Gita Yajna and Global Recitation by 18,000 Students at Jyotisar Teerth
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 22, 2024 – This year, the International Gita Mahotsav 2024 will be celebrated with great enthusiasm on the sacred land of Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra, a site of profound significance in Indian culture and the birthplace of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.The festival will showcase a divine confluence of spirituality, culture, and art.
The grand event will take place from November 28 to December 15, running continuously for 18 days, during which the timeless message of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita will be shared with all of humanity.
This was informed by the Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing a press conference here today. He said that the solution to every problem can be found in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
He said that this sacred granth has inspired many of the world’s leading thinkers, and it is our duty to ensure its teachings reach every home and individual.
He said that this year, the United Republic of Tanzania will be the partner country for the International Gita Mahotsav, while Odisha will be the partner state. Tanzania also participated as a partner country in the International Surajkund Crafts Fair held in February.
He highlighted that Indian diaspora in Tanzania actively organize recitations of the Shri Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The presence of numerous Hindu temples in Tanzania fosters a connection between Indian culture and the country.
He also said that Odisha boasts significant pilgrimage sites such as Jagannath Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, and the Lingaraj and Mukteshwar Temples in Bhubaneswar, all of which are sources of pride for Sanatan culture. People can see a glimpse of this rich heritage at the Mahotsav.
Haryana has a deep economic and social relationship with Tanzania
The Chief Minister said that Haryana has a long-standing relationship with Tanzania, with delegations from Haryana visiting the country twice, comprising industrialists, farmers, and representatives from various trades. He said that Tanzania serves as a gateway to Africa and that the two regions share deep economic and social ties.
He said that the International Gita Mahotsav will enhance the partnership between the two countries, with Tanzanian Ministers also expected to participate in the Mahotsav.
This event will provide the people of Tanzania with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Haryana. The similarities between Haryana and Tanzania will make the event particularly engaging and will further strengthen their relationship.
Lakhs of people from India and abroad participate in the International Gita Mahotsav
Nayab Singh Saini stated that the International Gita Mahotsav has achieved immense success and popularity over the past eight years, since year 2016. Lakhs of people from India and abroad attend the Mahotsav.Last year, approximately 45 to 50 lakh people participated, and a similar turnout is expected this year.
He highlighted that for the first time in 2019, the International Gita Mahotsav was held in Mauritius and London, followed by celebrations in Canada in September 2022, Australia in April 2023, and Sri Lanka and England in 2024.
The Chief Minister said that Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra is spread over a radius of 48 Kos, with 182 pilgrimage sites from the Mahabharata period identified in the area. He said that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the message of the Holy Gita to Arjuna, a message meant for all of humanity.
He recalled Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi's vision of spreading the Gita's teachings to every home and across the world. In line with this vision, Gita Manisha Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj is actively working to share the Gita's message globally.
Gita Yajna and Pujan to be held at Brahma Sarovar on 5th December
The Chief Minister shared that from November 28 to December 15, a grand Gita Mahaarati will be held daily on the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar. Cultural programs will take place at various pilgrimage sites throughout the 48 Kos of Kurukshetra from November 28 to December 11.
The festival will officially kick off with a Gita Yajna and Pujan at Brahma Sarovar on December 5. On the same day, a three-day 'International Gita Seminar' will begin at Kurukshetra University.
On December 9, a saint sammelan will be held at Purushottampura Bagh, followed by an All India Devasthanam Conference at the same location on December 10.
The Chief Minister highlighted that on Gita Jayanti, December 11, a Gita Yajna and Bhagwat Katha will be organized at Jyotisar Tirtha, with a global recitation of the Gita by 18,000 students.
On December 11, there will be a 8 Kos Tirtha Sammelan, Gita Shobha Yatra, Deepotsav, and cultural programs at 182 pilgrimage sites within Kurukshetra University. As in previous years, Gita book fairs and exhibitions will also take place at Brahma Sarovar from December 5 to 11.
Cultural glimpses of different countries will be seen in the Crafts and Saras Mela
The Chief Minister said that a Crafts and Saras Mela will also take place from November 28 to December 15, featuring the cultures of Tanzania and Odisha, along with the artistic creations of various craftsmen. Additionally, cultural programs will be organized at all district headquarters from December 9 to 11.
He urged all residents of Haryana and the nation to actively participate in the International Gita Mahotsav.
Mahotsav offers Odisha an opportunity to exchange and share its rich Culture and Heritage with Haryana – MoS Suryabanshi Suraj
On this occasion, Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of State for Languages, Literature, and Culture, Government of Odisha, expressed gratitude to the Haryana Government for designating Odisha as the partner state this year.
He highlighted that Haryana is the land of the Gita, while Odisha is the land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, who is regarded as an avatar of Lord Krishna.
He said that the Mahotsav will provide Odisha with an opportunity to exchange and share its rich culture, heritage, folk dances, and traditional cuisine with Haryana.
*Events like the Gita Mahotsav go beyond mere celebration; they strengthen deep ties between our nations - Mrs. Anisa Kapufi Mbega*
Speaking on this occasion, Mrs. Anisa Kapufi Mbega, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India, expressed gratitude to the Government of Haryana for designating Tanzania as the partner country for the event.She said that this partnership demonstrates how culture can unite people.
She said that in 2023, the President of Tanzania visited India, and during his meeting with Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, both leaders agreed to strengthen relations between Tanzania and India.
. Mbega also mentioned that two Tanzanian ministers are expected to attend this year’s Gita Mahotsav.
She highlighted that trade between Tanzania and Haryana has significantly increased in recent years, driven by their cultural similarities. “Together, we can foster inclusive growth,” she stated. Events like the Gita Mahotsav go beyond mere celebration; they strengthen deep ties between our nations. With Tanzania being home to the largest Indian community in Africa, she said that together, we can achieve remarkable milestones.
The impact of Bhagavad Gita is now felt globally – Swami Gyanannand
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that this year marks the completion of 5,161 years since the sacred message of Bhagavad Gita were revealed.The International Gita Mahotsav has been celebrated for the past eight years, and the impact of the Gita is now felt globally. It is increasingly regarded on the international stage as a source of solutions.
Swami Gyananand said that programmes of Gita Mahotsav has already been organized in five countries: Mauritius, England, Canada, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
The acceptance of the Gita has grown in various forms around the world, leading to a greater understanding of its importance. This surge in interest has heightened the global attraction to Kurukshetra.
He said that all chief sewak from mythological pilgrimage sites across the nation should visit Kurukshetra. This would help in strengthen cultural ties and further promote the teachings of the Gita, he added.
Principal Secretary Heritage and Tourism Smt. Kala Ramchandran, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Amit Agrawal, Director General Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh. K.M. Pandurang and officers of Kurukshetra Development Board were also present on this occasion.