10th International Gita Festival Begins in Kurukshetra

The 10th edition of the International Gita Festival has opened in Kurukshetra, marking the start of a three-week spiritual and cultural celebration. The annual event draws devotees, scholars and visitors from India and abroad, highlighting the global reverence for the Bhagavad Gita and the historic significance of Kurukshetra.

Festival Schedule and Key Highlights

The festival runs from 15 November to 5 December, featuring large-scale cultural, spiritual and educational activities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the celebrations on 25 November. This year’s event also includes extensive participation from the partner state, Madhya Pradesh, which is showcasing its cultural heritage through a dedicated pavilion, craft stalls and culinary exhibits.

Growing International Presence

Since its inception in 2016, the International Gita Mahotsav has expanded each year, with celebrations also held in countries such as Mauritius, Britain, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka and Japan. This edition will witness participation from 51 countries. A three-day International Gita Seminar begins on 24 November at Kurukshetra University, featuring presentations by 25 scholars from 16 nations. Priests from Fiji and Trinidad and Tobago will attend ceremonies, and artisans from seven countries will present their crafts.

Cultural Events and Devotional Activities

From 24 November to 1 December, grand cultural programmes inspired by the Gita, Mahabharata and Lord Krishna will take place at Purushottampura Bagh. A Gita Shobha Yatra is scheduled for 1 December, accompanied by ‘Deepotsav’ celebrations across 182 pilgrimage sites in Kurukshetra. Student competitions, including shloka recitation, essay writing, painting and rangoli, will be held between 28 and 30 November. A Gita Book Fair at Brahma Sarovar will run during the same period, attracting major publishers from across India.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The International Gita Festival is being held from 15 November to 5 December.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend on 25 November.
• Fifty-one countries are participating in this edition of the festival.
• Madhya Pradesh is the partner state for the 2025 celebrations.

Security Measures and Preparations

Following recent security concerns in the region, law-enforcement agencies have heightened vigilance around the festival venues. Authorities are coordinating crowd management, traffic arrangements and event logistics to ensure smooth conduct of the large-scale festivities. With international participation and a busy schedule of cultural and scholarly programmes, the event is expected to draw significant footfall throughout its duration.