Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav 2026 will be organised in Kurukshetra from December 5 to 25, with the main events scheduled between December 14 and 20. This year’s celebrations will feature West Bengal as the partner state, along with special cultural programmes highlighting Haryana’s traditional folk art.
A government spokesperson said the festival aims to showcase India’s knowledge, culture, spirituality and social harmony on a global platform. The celebrations are also expected to strengthen Kurukshetra’s identity as an important cultural and spiritual destination.
As part of this year’s programme, cultural evenings will be organised not only at the main venue but also at Jyotisar. The initiative is intended to give devotees and tourists visiting the historic site an opportunity to experience the festival’s cultural offerings.
West Bengal’s art and cultural traditions will receive a special showcase during the celebrations as the partner state.
Haryana’s traditional folk theatre to get special platform
A key highlight of the 2026 festival will be a dedicated Saang Mahotsav, aimed at promoting Haryana’s traditional folk theatre. Renowned Saang performers from the state will present performances based on social, religious and cultural themes.
The initiative is intended to give greater recognition to the state’s traditional performing arts and introduce younger generations to its folk heritage.
The spokesperson said the concerned departments had been directed to complete preparations for cultural programmes on time, with particular attention to the quality of artist selection.
Arrangements planned for devotees and tourists
The authorities will also focus on cleanliness and basic facilities throughout the festival. Special arrangements are to be made at major religious and tourist destinations, including Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar.
The arrangements will cover sanitation, drinking water, security, traffic management and other essential facilities to ensure that visitors do not face inconvenience during the celebrations.
With cultural programmes, traditional performances and events across multiple venues, the 2026 Mahotsav is set to run for three weeks, with its main celebrations concentrated in the December 14–20 period.
