Kurukshetra (Haryana) [India], December 6 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra on Thursday. He also offered prayers at Brahma Sarovar during the event.

Speaking to reporters, CM Saini announced that the festival would run until December 11.

‘International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav is starting today on the holy land where Lord Krishna gave the message of Gita. The festival will continue till 11th December. This is the pilgrimage site of our country in India. There are 182 pilgrimage sites here. PM Narendra Modi and our government together have renovated them, and work on their development is ongoing,’ Saini stated.

This year’s International Gita Mahotsav 2024 will be celebrated with great enthusiasm at Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra, the birthplace of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, according to the Haryana Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

The 18-day festival, running from November 28 to December 15, will feature a blend of spirituality, culture, and art. Its key objective is to share the timeless message of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita with the world.

Saini highlighted that the Mahotsav has gained significant popularity since its inception in 2016. Last year, approximately 45 to 50 lakh people participated, and a similar turnout is expected this year.

The festival’s international reach has expanded since 2019, with celebrations held in Mauritius, London, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and England, as per the Haryana CMO.

Daily Gita Mahaarati ceremonies will take place at Brahma Sarovar from November 28 to December 15. Cultural programs will be held at various pilgrimage sites within the 48 Kos of Kurukshetra from November 28 to December 11.

The festival officially began with a Gita Yajna and Pujan at Brahma Sarovar on December 5, alongside a three-day ‘International Gita Seminar’ at Kurukshetra University.

Key events include a saint sammelan on December 9 and the All India Devasthanam Conference on December 10, both at Purushottampura Bagh.

On December 11, Gita Jayanti Day, a Gita Yajna and Bhagwat Katha will be held at Jyotisar Tirtha, featuring a global Gita recitation by 18,000 students.

‘On December 11, there will be an 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 be held at Brahma Sarovar from December 5 to 11,’ the Haryana CMO added.

(ANI)