International Gita Mahotsav-2025 begins with Vedic Chants in Kurukshetra
Mahotsav will continue on sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar till December 5
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 24, 2025 — Amid the sound of Vedic mantras and conch shells, the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 commenced with great fervour in Kurukshetra today, where the sacred Bhagavad Gita was ceremoniously worshipped. With the grand worship (Mahapoojan) of the holy Gita and the chanting of its verses, the International Gita Mahotsav – 2025 was formally inaugurated.
The entire atmosphere around Brahma Sarovar was filled with the divine vibrations of Gita recitations. Defence Minister Sh. Rajnath Singh, Cabinet Minister Sh. Anil Vij, Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, Gita scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj, Kurukshetra Lok Sabha MP Sh. Naveen Jindal, and former Minister of State Sh. Subhash Sudha offered the final oblations in the Gita Yajna and performed ‘pooja’ at the Brahma Sarovar.
At the Purushottampura Bagh near Brahma Sarovar, guests were welcomed amidst Vedic chants. Chief Minister’s political advisor Sh. Bharat Bhushan Bharti, Vice Chairman of Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board Sh. Dhuman Singh, BJP District President Sh. Tejinder Singh Goldy, and KDB Honorary Secretary Sh. Upender Singhal extended a traditional welcome. Folk artists from various states of the country, dressed in their regional attire, greeted all guests and visitors, celebrating their arrival on the sacred land of Kurukshetra.
After offering the final oblation in the Gita Yajna, Defence Minister Sh. Rajnath Singh worshipped the holy Gita. Extending greetings to the people of the country and the state, he said that in the holy city of Kurukshetra, there is a divine confluence of spirituality, culture, knowledge, and art. Due to the efforts of the central and state governments, Gita Jayanti received the status of the International Gita Mahotsav. He added that it was on the banks of the Saraswati river that the Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas were composed. Not only this, the splendid capital of Emperor Harshavardhan, Thanesar, was also located here. Recognizing Kurukshetra’s significance, Lord Krishna chose this land for the Mahabharata war and delivered to Arjuna the divine message of Karma Yoga, which continues to inspire humanity even today.
Cabinet Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the Gita is not only important from a philosophical and spiritual perspective but also holds great relevance in practical life. It is a unique example of knowledge and science, and that is why the Gita is dear not only to Indians but also to people abroad.
Over the last nine years, the festival has gained immense success and popularity. In 2019, it was celebrated outside India as well — in Mauritius, London, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and other countries.
Cabinet Minister Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that every year lakhs of people participate in this festival. The festival will continue till December 5. Various programmes are being organized across the state in connection with the International Gita Mahotsav.
This year, Madhya Pradesh is participating as the partner state. Due to such efforts, the glory of the sacred text and the popularity of the Gita Mahotsav has crossed national boundaries and reached corners of the world.
Gita scholar Swami Gyananand Maharaj extended greetings for Gita Jayanti and said that the arts and crafts fair of the International Gita Mahotsav 2025 had already begun on November 15.