This year, Gita Jayanti is being celebrated on 1st December 2025, Monday / सोमवार
Gita Jayanti, celebrated in the months of November-December every year is observed on the day when Krishna in his Vishwaroopa gave Arjuna and the world, the cosmic wisdom as Gita or Bhagavad Gita- “Gita as said (vad) by the Lord (bhagwan)”. A festival of Hindu culture that goes beyond India and inspires millions across the globe, Gita Jayanti’s unique history and celebration are discussed in this special blog.
The story of Gita Jayanti can be traced to the battle of Kurukshetra when Krishna revealed the truth of the Universe to Arjuna. Included in the epic Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita is a long Sanskrit poem that presents the profound interaction between the soul and the supreme- Atma and Paramatma. The Shukla Ekadashi (day 11 of the Waxing moon) in Margashirsha, falling in Nov-Dec is the day when Gita was imparted on Arjuna, and this day is celebrated in modern times as Gita Jayanti.
Since 1989, the Haryana Government has been celebrating this festival in Kurukshetra, the historic city where the battle of Mahabharata and the teaching of Gita by Krishna took place. In 2016, the Government of India joined in and the Gita Jayanti festival became International Gita Mahotsava.
The International Gita Mahotsava or festival is celebrated in Kurukshetra, Haryana. Thousands of devotees and visitors participate in the fairs and festivities of this occasion. The government in collaboration with organizations arranges plays and dramas, recitals of sacred texts such as Bhagavad Gita and Puranas, singing of hymns, craft fairs, and Maha aarti. In 2024, International Gita Mahotsava is to be celebrated from 28 November 2024 to 15 December 2024. The main attractions of 2024 Gita Mahotsava are-
☸ Gita yagya and Puja (5 December 2024)
☸ Sant Sammelan or Conference of Saints (9 December 2024)
☸ Light and Sound Show based on Gita and Mahabharata (28 November- 15 December 2024)
☸ International Gita Conference (5-8 December 2024)
☸ Gita Book Fair (5-11 December 2024)
☸ Shrimad Bhagavad Katha (5-11 December 2024)
☸ Gita Path or recital by 18000 students (11 December 2024)
☸ Craft Fair and Craftsmen’s Conference (15 December 2024)
There are also a number of online events such as quizzes and competitions for students based on Gita conducted on the official website of International Gita Mahotsava.
The 48 (Adatalees, Hindi) Kos region of Kurukshetra is an ancient and historic site bordered by Haryana’s Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Karnal, Jind, and Panipat districts. According to the Mahabharata, it is in this area that the war and Gita Upadesha by Krishna happened. Marked by a number of sacred temples and ancient sites, this region is the center of the celebrations during Gita Jayanti.
The idea behind the celebration of Gita Jayanti in modern times is centered around the value it holds for Indian culture. Since its recital by Krishna, Gita has gone on to become a driving force, a guide, and a light for numerous citizens of the world. From scientists like Einstein to Adi Shankaracharya, everyone who read the Bhagavad Gita, found it to be conversing with them, inspiring them in whatever life they chose to live. As a sacred Indian book that is very, celebrating the Bhagavad Gita is a way of honoring our culture.
Philosophical Values of Gita : Questions on Dharma (duty), Artha (material wealth), Kama (passion), and Moksha (liberation)- the four goals or Purushartha of Hindu life are addressed extensively in the Gita. A guide on leading the perfect life, the Bhagavad Gita is the key to understanding and following the ancient culture of India.
Spiritual Guidance through Gita : Certain universal questions on the meaning of life, the goals of an individual, and inner conflicts that everyone faces irrespective of their place of origin are discussed beautifully in the Bhagavad Gita. It is the legacy of this sacred text, its values of Bhakti (devotion) Karma Yoga, and Gyana Yoga, that make it a practical spiritual master for anyone, residing in any corner of the globe.
A Celebration of Ancient Culture : Among a few icons or emblems that represent India to the world, the Gita is one of the most sacred and prominent. Its popularity among world leaders, philosophers, thinkers, and shapers of international societies is a phenomenon that is unparalleled. The festival of Gita Jayanti is thus a reminder of the power of this divine text, and an occasion for Indians and lovers of Indian culture to come together and retrace their connection to the glory of ancient traditions.
Wondering how you can be a part of International Gita Mahotsava? Going to Kurukshetra can be a memorable experience, but even if you are unable to visit the ancient city on this special occasion, there are a number of ways in which you can celebrate this day on your own.
☸ Gita Path : The recital of Gita is a fulfilling exercise that requires no rituals or special space. Thanks to the many translations, you can get a Bhagavad Gita in Sanskrit, Hindi, or English or in any of the Indian regional languages or your mother tongue. Start your journey of exploring its ancient wisdom, as there can be no better day than when it was first recited!
☸ Participate in Online Events : There are a number of online events such as quizzes, lectures, and performances scheduled on Gita Jayanti. You can be a part of them or encourage the kids in your home to participate in them.
☸ Organize Gita Study and Discussion Groups : If you have been reading Bhagavad Gita already, that is amazing! On the occasion of Gita Jayanti, you can bring together your friends and family and start a discussion group. The participants can read chapters or verses and converse about their interpretation. This is a great way of taking up a good habit that will have unforeseen positive impacts on your life.
☸ Gift a Bhagavad Gita : Give a beautiful Bhagavad Gita set with a crafted box to your loved ones on the occasion of Gita Jayanti. You can also give them a pocket Gita to carry with them wherever they go, as their friend and guide.
The festival of Gita Jayanti may not be as popular as other prominent Hindu festivals, but the recent efforts by the Indian Government and Haryana State Government are steps in a positive direction, to celebrate the heritage of Bhagavad Gita on a scale that the sacred text deserves. As individuals with the vision of cherishing the culture and history of India, we can become a part of this by simply picking a Bhagavad Gita as our next read.
Exotic India Art has a curated collection of over 1000 books on Bhagavad Gita, consisting of the original text, translations in Hindi, English, and regional languages as well as all the important commentaries on Gita by philosophers. Explore the website and get a Bhagavad Gita book to immerse yourself in the words of Sri Krishna.
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