Chandigarh- In the sacred land of Kurukshetra, where the echoes of the Mahabharata still resonate, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday formally inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM)-2024 organized on the banks of Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra.
The Chief Minister offered prayers on the holy religious scripture Gita and performed the yajna near Lord Shri Krishna's huge chariot idol located at Purushottampura Bagh amidst chanting of mantras at Brahma Sarovar. Kerala Governor, Sh. Arif Mohammed Khan, Zanzibar Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Ms Tabia Maulid Mwita, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha also participated in the Gita Yajna.Earlier, all the dignitaries inaugurated the pavilion of Tanzania, the partner country for this year’s International Gita Mahotsav-2024, and explored stalls showcasing the country’s food, lifestyle, and attire. Later, they inaugurated and visited the state-level exhibition organized by the Information, Public Relations, Language, and Culture Department. This exhibition displayed Haryana Government's achievements over the past 10 years through various departmental stalls.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the people of the state and extended his best wishes for IGM, stating that the dedicated efforts made by the State Government has transformed Gita Mahotsav into an International Event.He said that the IGM was started on November 28 and will continue until December 15, 2024. During this time, the eternal message of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita will be shared with humanity.
The Chief Minister said that this year, the United Republic of Tanzania is the partner country, and Odisha is the partner state for the International Gita Mahotsav-2024. He said that live broadcasts of the IGM are being held at the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha; Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh; Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura; Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat; Shree Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain; and Thikana Mandir Shri Govind Dev Ji in Jaipur. People can see a glimpse of this rich heritage.Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that the International Gita Mahotsav has achieved immense success and popularity over the past eight years, since year 2016. Lakhs of people from India and abroad attend the Mahotsav. Last year, approximately 45 to 50 lakh people participated, and a similar turnout is expected this year.
He shared that the key highlights of this IGM-2024 will be the global Gita recitation with 18, 000 students, cultural programmes by artists from various states to be organized by the Department of Art and Culture, international Gita seminars, a grand aarti at Brahma Sarovar, Deepotsav, cultural programmes at 182 pilgrimage sites along the 48-kos route, and more.
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that the IGM-2024 began on November 28 with the start of the Saras and Craft Mela. This holy Mahotsav has now made its mark worldwide. Following the tradition of the IGM, Havan Yajnas, Gita Yajnas, and worship at Brahma Sarovar were performed. The IGM has undoubtedly become a celebration for the general public, with people from across the country and abroad now participating in it.
Former Minister of State, Sh. Subhash Sudha, said that lakhs of devotees visit IGM every year to enjoy the craftsmanship, culture from various states, and religious programs. Organizing such a Mahotsav is a matter of great fortune. He said that various social and religious institutions from the city are participating in the event. IGM-2024 will continue until December 15 and devotees coming from all spheres will be able to enjoy the evening spiritual and cultural programmes.