Chandigarh, December 5
Once again, the sacred land of Kurukshetra, the cradle of Indian culture and the birthplace of the ‘Shrimad Bhagwad Gita,’ is set to witness a divine convergence of spirituality, culture, and art. The grand event of the International Gita Mahotsav – 2023 is scheduled to take place from December 7 to December 24, where the timeless teachings of the Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta will be illuminated.
In a press conference here today, Chief Minister Manohar Lal expressed that akin to the Constitution of India being regarded as the Gita of the government system, he personally perceives the Gita as a constitution that imparts guiding principles for life.
He said that this year, Assam will actively participate as a partner state in the International Gita Mahotsav.
Manohar Lal highlighted that during visit to Kurukshetra in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed the commitment to make every possible effort to recognize Kurukshetra as a significant center for the teachings of the Gita. Following the Prime Minister’s guidance, the Haryana Government has been organizing the Gita Mahotsav at the international level in Kurukshetra since 2016, which has gained tremendous success and popularity over the past seven years. In 2019, the festival expanded its reach beyond the country, celebrated in Mauritius and London. Additionally, it took place in Canada in September 2022, and this year, there are plans to organize the International Gita Mahotsav in United States of America in the month of April.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will inaugurate the main program
The Chief Minister informed that the main program of the International Gita Mahotsav will commence on December 17. The Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, will officially inaugurate the festival with Gita Yajna and worship at Brahma Sarovar on the same day. Following this, he will also inaugurate the three-day International Gita Seminar at Kurukshetra University. The seminar, scheduled to run until December 19, will witness the participation of Gita enthusiasts, scholars, and researchers from India and abroad. They will present their research papers on the theme of world peace and harmony, inspired by the teachings of Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that this seminar will play a pivotal role in spreading the significance of the Gita’s message across the globe.
Fair authority will be formed to organize Gita Mahotsav
Manohar Lal shared that the International Gita Mahotsav Fair is progressing towards financial self-sustainability. In a strategic move akin to the organization of the Kumbh Mela, a dedicated fair authority will be established for the International Gita Mahotsav. This autonomous body will independently organize and manage the event. The government will appoint a fair officer to oversee the arrangements, while the fair authority will take charge of planning and executing the festival.
On 23rd December at 11 am, all citizens should recite Gita together for one minute
Manohar Lal has urged all the residents of the state to come together and recite the Gita shaloka collectively for one minute at 11 am on December 23rd, in honor of Gita Jayanti. During this brief session, participants are encouraged to recite three verses from the Gita. All citizens are invited to partake in this Gita lesson either from their homes or workplaces, with the option to connect through the Gieo Gita app for a shared experience.
