21-day International Gita Mahotsav begins at Brahma Sarovar

Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh opened the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM)-2025 celebrations with the Saras and Craft fairs on the banks of Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra on Saturday.

The artistes dressed in traditional attire accorded a rousing welcome to the Governor and other dignitaries.

Artisans and craftsmen, including national and state awardees from across the country, have reached Kurukshetra to showcase their art. The Governor visited the Saras and Craft fairs and interacted with the artisans.

Ghosh inquired about the crafts of artisans from various states and also learned about crafts and self-help groups.

The Haryana Governor said, “This is a historic occasion for all of us. International Gita Mahotsav is being observed with great devotion on the sacred soil of Kurukshetra, where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon of Gita. It has taught devotion, compassion, duty, tolerance and human values that we have. The message of the Gita has guided humanity for centuries. The guidance of the Gita is not for a particular community but for humanity. For centuries, it has inspired righteousness, courage, duty and inner awakening across societies and generations.”

“The Kurukshetra Development Board has been working continuously for the development, preservation, conservation and uplift of the ‘Tirthas’ under the 48-kos land. So far, 182 ‘Tirthas’ have been documented by the KDB and survey is still on to identify the remaining ones,” he added.

Ghosh said that the IGM is being celebrated with a great fanfare. A number of scholars from other countries would be reaching Kurukshetra for seminars on the Gita. They will present their research on Gita, benefiting the world. In various countries, the message of the Gita and its values would be broadcast. Lakhs of tourists coming from across the country would be able to see the art of artisans from various states and members of self-help groups attending the Saras and Craft Fairs on one platform, he said.

He said that the 21-day International Gita Mahotsav 2025 would be organised from November 15 to December 5 and the main events would be organised for eight days from November 24 to December 1. The Saint Sammelan, Deepotsav, Gita Seminar and Global Gita Path would inspire the young generation.

Thanesar Congress MLA Ashok Arora, CEO KDB Pankaj Setia, honorary secretary of the board Upender Singhal and several other officials were present on the occasion.