Will PM Modi Attend the 350th Martyrdom Day of Guru Teg Bahadur in Kurukshetra on Nov 25?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Modi to commemorate Guru Teg Bahadur's 350th martyrdom day.
- International Gita Mahotsav spans from November 15 to December 5.
- Madhya Pradesh is the partner state for this year's festival.
- Events include cultural performances and a global Gita recitation.
- 182 pilgrimage sites highlighted in Kurukshetra.
Chandigarh, Nov 3 (NationPress) Haryana's Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the state-level ceremony marking the 350th Shahidi Diwas of Hind Ki Chadar, Guru Teg Bahadur, in Kurukshetra on November 25.
On the same day, the Prime Minister will also engage in the International Gita Mahotsav, celebrating its 10th edition in Kurukshetra from November 15 to December 5.
This year, the festival will span 21 days for the first time.
The Chief Minister informed the media that the Gita Mahotsav will showcase a remarkable blend of culture, knowledge, and spirituality.
He highlighted that Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra, which extends over a 48-km radius, houses numerous pilgrimage sites.
The Kurukshetra Development Board has recognized 182 such locations.
Chief Minister Saini emphasized the festival's increasing international recognition, noting that the Gita Mahotsav has previously been celebrated in Mauritius, London, Canada, Australia, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
The number of attendees from India and abroad continues to grow each year, leading to extensive preparations.
This year, Madhya Pradesh will serve as the partner state.
With its rich spiritual and religious heritage, Madhya Pradesh's involvement significantly elevates the festival's prominence.
A special cultural pavilion from Madhya Pradesh is being erected at Purushottam Pura Bagh, near Brahma Sarovar, offering an immersive experience of the state's varied traditions.
The Chief Minister announced that the Gita Mahotsav will officially commence on November 24 with a Gita Yagna and worship ceremony held by the Brahma Sarovar.
A three-day International Gita Seminar will also be launched at Kurukshetra University.
Furthermore, 25 scholars from 16 countries will participate in the seminar, supported by the Union Ministry of External Affairs.
Chief Minister Saini stated that through the Ministry of External Affairs, Gita Mahotsav programs will be organized in 51 countries and will be broadcast live.
Additionally, twenty priests from Fiji and Trinidad and Tobago will visit Kurukshetra for two days to partake in the festivities.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the Information and Public Relations Department will manage a YouTube channel throughout the festival.
Devotees will be encouraged to share their experiences and reflections on their favorite verses from the Bhagavad Gita, illustrating how these teachings have impacted their lives.
The most popular video clip will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh during the festival's closing ceremony.
Chief Minister Saini announced a grand Gita Maha Aarti will occur at the banks of Brahma Sarovar from November 15 to December 5.
Cultural events will also be held at various pilgrimage sites across the 48 Kos Kurukshetra region from November 25 to December 1.
On December 1, a Gita Yagya, Gita Path, and Bhagwat Katha will take place at Jyotisar Tiratha.
On the same day, a global recitation of the Gita will be conducted by 18,000 students at the Theme Park, with millions of devotees joining online.
Chief Minister Saini stated a 48 Kos Tirtha Sammelan will be held at Kurukshetra University, featuring representatives from all 182 Tirtha Samitis.
On December 1, a grand Deepotsav will be celebrated simultaneously at all 182 pilgrimage sites, along with a Gita Shobha Yatra.
As in previous years, a Gita Book Fair will be hosted at Brahma Sarovar from November 24 to December 1.
Additionally, an exhibition on public welfare schemes, a craft fair, a fun fair, and the traditional Balaram Kushti Dangal will also be organized.