International Gita Mahotsav Begins in Kurukshetra with Vedic Chants and Ceremonial Rituals

Kurukshetra, November 24, 2025: The International Gita Mahotsav 2025 began in Kurukshetra on Sunday with the resonant sound of Vedic chanting and conch shells, marking the ceremonial worship of the sacred Bhagavad Gita. The grand festival, taking place at the holy banks of Brahmasarovar, will continue until December 5.

As the verses of the Gita echoed across the surroundings, the entire atmosphere around Brahmasarovar turned devotional. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, Cabinet Minister Krishna Kumar Bedi, Gita scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj, Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal, and former Minister Subhash Sudha offered the final oblations in the Gita Yajna and performed rituals at Brahmasarovar.

At Purushottampura Bagh near Brahmasarovar, dignitaries were welcomed with traditional rituals by Chief Minister’s Political Advisor Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board Vice-Chairman Dhuman Singh, BJP District President Tejendra Singh Goldy, and KDB Honorary Secretary Upendra Singhal. Folk artists from various states, dressed in traditional attire, greeted the guests and visitors, adding a vibrant cultural touch to the inauguration.

After offering oblations at the Gita Yajna, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended greetings to the people of the country and the state. He said Kurukshetra represents a divine confluence of spirituality, culture, knowledge, and art. He noted that through the efforts of the central and state governments, Gita Jayanti has been given international recognition. He added that this sacred land has seen the creation of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas, and also served as the capital of Emperor Harshavardhana. Acknowledging Kurukshetra’s historical importance, he said Lord Krishna chose this very land to deliver the message of Karma Yoga to Arjuna—teachings that continue to inspire humanity.

Cabinet Minister Anil Vij said the Gita holds immense significance not only spiritually and philosophically but also in practical life. He stated that the scripture is a unique example of knowledge and science, which is why it is cherished not only in India but across the world. Over the past nine years, the festival has gained immense popularity and was celebrated internationally in Mauritius, London, Canada, Australia, and Sri Lanka in 2019.

Cabinet Minister Krishna Kumar Bedi said the festival attracts lakhs of participants each year and will continue until December 5. Various programs are being held across Haryana to mark the International Gita Mahotsav. This year, Madhya Pradesh is participating as the partner state. Due to these continued efforts, the message of the Gita and the popularity of the festival have reached far beyond India’s borders.

Gita scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj extended his greetings on the occasion and said the Saras and Shilp Mela, a part of the festival, had already begun on November 15.