Kurukshetra Festival: Birth anniversary of Srimad Bhagavad Gita

The Kurukshetra Festival is celebrated in the month of December in the Kurukshetra city of Haryana. The festival is celebrated as a commemoration of the birth anniversary of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

Kurukshetra Festival: Birth anniversary of Srimad Bhagavad Gita

• 2024: 11 December, 2024 [Wednesday]

The city of Kurukshetra is named after the great sage king Kuru and was the site of the great battle of Mahabharata. Infact, it was here that the great dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna took place, which later took the form of Bhagavad Gita, the holy book of the Hindus.

On the day of the Festival of Kurukshetra, people from far and wide gather to take a holy dip in the sacred tanks of Brahma Sarovar and Sannihit Sarovar. For an entire week, the Bhagwat Katha is conducted, which presents the various stories of the Bhagavad Gita.

The other programs at the Kurukshetra Festival of Haryana include shloka recital, dance, dramas and deep daan (charity) at the Brahma Sarovar. Also, free medical camps, book exhibitions and bhajan recitals in classical tradition, etc. are also organized.

Description of Kurukshetra Festival in Haryana:

During the Kurukshetra Festival in Haryana, the pilgrims all gather to take a holy dip in the Brahma Sarovar and the Sannihit Sarovar, the waters of which are considered sacred. There are religious men telling stories from the Bhagavad Gita, the holy book of the Hindus, recital of religious shlokas as well as other celebrations such as dance and drama performances and the ‘Deep Daan’ at the Brahma Sarovar which are all a part of the religious festivities of the Kurukshetra Festival. There are also free medical camps, exhibition of books and classical Bhajan and recital programs are organized.

Time for celebrating Kurukshetra Festival:

The Kurukshetra Festival in Haryana takes place in the month of November / December.

To reach Haryana to participate in the Kurukshetra Festival, you can take a flight to Delhi or Chandigarh. Kurukshetra is also a significant railway junction and all the major railways pass through here. So is the case with buses as buses from the Haryana Roadways and other State Corporations pass through Kurukshetra.

Kurukshetra:

Kurukshetra is a city in Haryana, India, known for its historical and religious significance. It’s often associated with the epic Mahabharata, which is said to have taken place in and around this area. Here are some key points about Kurukshetra:

Historical Significance: Kurukshetra is famously known as the site of the Kurukshetra War, a great battle described in the Mahabharata. This battle is significant in Hindu tradition as it is considered a divine conflict between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

Religious Importance: The city is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield. Several temples and sacred tanks in the area are dedicated to various deities and events from the Mahabharata.

Major Attractions: Kurukshetra Festival

• Brahma Sarovar: A sacred tank where pilgrims take holy dips.
• Jyotisar: The location where Lord Krishna is believed to have imparted the Bhagavad Gita.
• Kurukshetra Panorama and Science Centre: An attraction that provides insights into the Mahabharata and Kurukshetra’s history.
• Krishna Museum: Showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Lord Krishna and the Mahabharata.
• Cultural Events: Kurukshetra hosts several festivals and events, including the Kurukshetra Festival, which celebrate its rich heritage and attract visitors from around the world.
• Educational Hub: The city is also home to various educational institutions, including Kurukshetra University, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The Kurukshetra Festival is a major cultural event celebrated annually in Kurukshetra, Haryana. It typically takes place in December and is a vibrant celebration of the city’s historical, cultural, and religious significance.

Here’s a look at what the festival entails:

Cultural Performances:

• Traditional Music and Dance: Performances often include folk dances and music, showcasing the rich cultural traditions of Haryana and the broader region.
• Theatrical Reenactments: There are dramatic reenactments of scenes from the Mahabharata, particularly those related to the Kurukshetra battlefield.

Art and Craft Exhibitions:

• Local Handicrafts: Exhibitions display a wide range of traditional crafts and artworks, providing a platform for local artisans to showcase their work.
• Cultural Artifacts: Displays may include artifacts related to the Mahabharata, including statues, paintings, and manuscripts.

Religious and Spiritual Programs:

• Bhagavad Gita Recitations: Sessions focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, the sacred text delivered by Lord Krishna, are a central part of the festival.
• Discussions and Seminars: There are often lectures and discussions on the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the Mahabharata and related texts.

Processions and Parades:

• Thematic Processions: Colorful processions featuring traditional costumes, music, and dance celebrate the cultural heritage of Kurukshetra.
• Religious Processions: These may involve processions with religious icons and offerings, reflecting the city’s spiritual heritage.

Food and Cuisine:

• Local Cuisine: Food stalls and local eateries offer a variety of traditional dishes, allowing visitors to sample regional specialties.

Educational Activities:

• Workshops and Lectures: These focus on various aspects of the Mahabharata, local history, and cultural practices.

Tourist Attractions:

• Guided Tours: The festival often includes organized tours of key historical and religious sites in Kurukshetra, such as Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar.

Overall, the Kurukshetra Festival is a celebration that blends cultural, religious, and historical elements, drawing visitors from around the world and offering them a comprehensive experience of Kurukshetra’s heritage.

Overall, Kurukshetra is a city deeply rooted in spiritual and historical significance, making it a notable destination for both pilgrimage and historical exploration.