Geeta Jayanti Samaroh: International Gita Mahotsav Date, Venue

Geeta Jayanti Festival as the name suggests is a unique festival dedicated to the birth of Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the holy book of Hindus. The festival is celebrated mainly in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The festival is very sacred to Hindus and is celebrated with immense devotion and dedication. Geeta Jayanti Samaroh is an annual event that celebrates the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture. The festival is observed on the day when Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This event typically includes recitations, discussions, and reflections on the Gita’s teachings, as well as cultural and devotional activities. Devotees have to deepen their understanding of the Gita and its philosophical and spiritual insights.

Geeta Jayanti Samaroh:

• Starting on: November 28, 2024
• Conclude on: December 15, 2024
• Location: Kurukshetra, Haryana, India

Time	Venue	Program Details
28 November – 15 December 2024
09:00	Brahma Sarovar	Crafts and Saras Fair – A confluence of renowned craftsmen
Thursday, 5 December
09:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Gita Yajna and Gita Pujan
11:15	Purushottampura Baag	Inauguration of the Pavilions of Haryana, Partner State Odisha and Partner Country Tanzania
12:30	Srimad Bhagavad Gita Sadan, Kurukshetra University	Inauguration of International Gita Seminar
17:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Bhajan Sandhya and Maha Aarti
18:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Cultural Evening
Monday, 9 December, 2024
14:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Congregation of Saints (Sant Sammelan)
Tuesday, 10 December, 2024
14:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	All India Devasthanam Conference
Wednesday, 11 December, 2024
9:00	Jyotisar-The Birthplace of Gita and Sannihit Sarovar	Complete recitation of Srimad Bhagavadgita and Gita Yajna
10:00	Theme Park	Global Gita Chanting by 18000 students
11:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Cultural programs in Haryana and Odisha Pavilions
14:00	Srimad Bhagavadgita Sadan, Kurukshetra University	48 Kos Tirtha Sammelan
15:00	In front of Kurukshetra Development Board office	Departure of Gita Shobha Yatra
17:30	Brahma Sarovar, Sannihit Sarovar & Jyotisar	Deepotsav
17:30	48 Kos Kurukshetra region	Deepotsav at Tirthas
18:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Gita Maha Aarti and Deep Daan
18:30	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Cultural Evening
5 December 2024 – 11 December 2024
9:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	State-level exhibition by Information, Public Relations & Languages Department, Haryana
9:00	Brahma Sarovar	Gita Book Fair by Haryana Granth Academy
11:00	Purushottampura Baag & Mahila Ghats	Cultural Programs of Haryana & Odisha
18:00	Purushottampura Baag, Brahma Sarovar	Cultural Evening

Kurukshetra is inseparable when one talks about the Indian culture and Hindu mythology. Indeed Kurukshetra is believed to be the land where the essence of real Hinduism found place.

It is in this same land that the famous sage Manu wrote the Manusmriti. Not only that, but the Rig Veda and the Sama Veda were also composed here. The land was visited by divine personalities like Lord Krishna, Gautama Buddha and some eminent Sikh Gurus.

Srimad Bhagavad Gita has since its inception been the philosophical guide and spiritual teacher for Hindus. In Gita, Lord Krishna has taught numerous lessons to Arjuna, one of the Pandavas which are considered to be ideal means of living one’s life. One of the most famous teachings of Gita followed since ages says “one should selflessly perform one’s duties and karma, not worrying about the outcome”. Gita according to the Hindu Mythology provides solution for every problem that a man faces in his life.

During the Geeta Jayanti Samaroh devotees and pilgrims from all over India gather here in Kurukshetra to take part in this sacred festival. A normal ritual observed to be followed by everyone is to take bath in holy water of the sacred tanks – Sannihit Sarovar and Brahma Sarovar. The whole environment becomes divine and spiritual with numerous activities being organized. Celebrated in November – December, the fair lasts for about a week and the major attractions for the visitors are Shloka recital, dance, Bhagavad Katha reading, Bhajans, dramas and book exhibitions.

The Geeta Jayanti Samaroh is organized by Kurukshetra Development Board, Haryana Tourism, District Administration, North Zone Cultural Centre Patiala and Information and Public Relations Department Haryana.
The significance of Geeta Jayanti Samaroh lies in its commemoration of the Bhagavad Gita’s divine teachings and their impact on spiritual and philosophical thought.

Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

1. Spiritual Insight: The Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, addresses profound questions about duty, righteousness, and the nature of life. The Samaroh provides an opportunity for devotees to reflect on these teachings and integrate them into their lives.
2. Reinforcement of Values: The Gita’s teachings emphasize values like duty (dharma), righteousness, devotion, and selfless action. Celebrating Geeta Jayanti helps reinforce these values within the community.
3. Cultural and Religious Unity: The event brings together people from various backgrounds to celebrate a shared spiritual heritage, fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose.
4. Educational Opportunity: The Samaroh often includes lectures, discussions, and readings that help deepen understanding of the Gita’s philosophical concepts, making it an educational event as well.
5. Devotional Practices: Observing the day through recitations, prayers, and rituals allows devotees to express their devotion and strengthen their spiritual practice.

Overall, Geeta Jayanti Samaroh is a meaningful occasion for celebrating the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and reinforcing its teachings in personal and communal life.

Over the years Geeta Jayanti Samaroh has gained immense importance and popularity, especially among the Hindu Community. A large number of tourists have started to visit Kurukshetra during the event to participate in this sacred fair.

Geeta Jayanti Samaroh is celebrated with various activities that emphasize the importance of the Bhagavad Gita and its teachings. Here are some common ways people celebrate:

1. Recitations and Readings: Devotees often gather to recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita. These recitations may be accompanied by explanations and discussions to help attendees understand the meanings and implications of the verses.
2. Discussions and Lectures: Religious and spiritual leaders might give talks or lead discussions on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring its relevance to contemporary life and spiritual practice.
3. Prayer Services and Rituals: Special prayers and rituals are performed to honor Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita. This might include chanting mantras, offering flowers, and performing aarti (a ceremonial light offering).
4. Thematic Cultural Programs: Some celebrations include cultural performances, such as devotional songs (bhajans), dances, and drama that illustrate stories and teachings from the Gita.
5. Community Feasts: Many communities organize prasad (sacred food offerings) and distribute it to attendees. This serves as a way to share in the joy and blessings of the occasion.
6. Educational Activities: Workshops, seminars, or study groups might be held to delve deeper into the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings, encouraging participants to apply its principles in their daily lives.
7. Charitable Acts: Acts of charity and service, such as donating to those in need, are often part of the celebration, reflecting the Gita’s teachings on selfless action.

The manner of celebration can vary depending on local traditions and the size of the community, but the central focus remains on honoring the Bhagavad Gita and reflecting on its profound teachings.