Kolkata — Lakhs of devotees, monks, and spiritual practitioners gathered at the Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday for a massive Bhagavad Gita chanting ceremony that transformed the iconic venue into a vast spiritual congregation. Dressed in saffron robes, sadhus and sadhvis recited verses in unison, creating a resonant atmosphere that organisers described as a historic moment for West Bengal’s cultural and religious life.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, including Sukanta Majumdar, Locket Chatterjee, and Agnimitra Paul, were among the key attendees. Prominent spiritual figures such as Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj, also known as Kartik Maharaj, and preacher Dhirendra Shastri joined the gathering, which drew participants from across Bengal and neighbouring states.
The event, titled Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path, was organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, a collective of monks and religious leaders from various Hindu institutions. Their goal was to mobilise five lakh voices in a powerful collective recital. Addressing the crowd, Agnimitra Paul said the teachings of the Gita belonged to all 140 crore Indians and were meant to inspire unity, not division.
Organisers said the programme aimed to celebrate Bengal’s spiritual heritage while promoting harmony through shared chanting. Kartik Maharaj noted that spiritual practice provides peace and clarity at a time when society is grappling with deep polarisation. Thousands had pledged attendance in the days leading up to the event, and the turnout reflected the enthusiasm across districts.
Authorities deployed extensive crowd-control measures, strengthened security, and arranged medical teams, anticipating nearly five lakh participants. Three large stages were set up across the ground, and central Kolkata saw heightened police presence throughout the day.
Swami Gyananandaji Maharaj of the Geeta Manishi Mahamandal led the spiritual proceedings. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and several senior monks were also invited, adding to the scale and prominence of the gathering.
The event took place a day after suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation for a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad, a move that has intensified political and religious conversations in West Bengal ahead of next year’s assembly elections.
This marks the second mega Gita recital at Brigade Parade Ground within two years. A similar programme in December 2023, held before the Lok Sabha elections, had triggered political friction, with the ruling TMC accusing the BJP of using religious events for political messaging.
