Governor reviews preparations for IGM-2025 to be held from November 15 to December 5; Main Events from November 24 to December 1
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh–
From November 15 to December 5, Haryana will host the 10th International Gita Mahotsav (IGM), a grand confluence of spiritual wisdom, cultural vibrancy, and global participation. With main events scheduled from November 24 to December 1, the Mahotsav aims to connect the world with India’s timeless knowledge traditions, featuring scholars and ambassadors from over 40 countries, immersive cultural programmes, and a spectacular showcase of art, music, and heritage in the sacred land of Kurukshetra.
Meanwhile, on Saturday Haryana Governor, Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh chaired a Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) meeting at Haryana Raj Bhavan to review preparations for the IGM-2025. CM Nayab Singh Saini, Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and MP, Naveen Jindal also remained present during the meeting.
The Governor said that the message of the Gita is pivotal for the welfare of all humanity. Through the IGM-2025, India’s cultural and spiritual heritage is being firmly showcased on the global stage. He directed the officers to ensure that all departments work in coordination to make the Mahotsav a success and that visiting foreign delegates and guests are welcomed with traditional customs, giving them an extraordinary experience of Haryana’s culture.
The Governor said the IGM-2025 aims to connect the global community with India’s knowledge, tradition, spirituality, and life values. He emphasized that no effort should be spared in ensuring flawless preparation for the Mahotsav.
International Gita Mahotsav to Connect the World with the Spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’- Saini
Chief Minister said that the International Gita Mahotsav–2025 (IGM) organized in Haryana is not only a pivotal opportunity to showcase the cultural heritage of Haryana but also of India on the global stage. Through this Mahotsav, efforts are being made to connect the global community with the eternal message of the holy Gita.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the message of the Gita is relevant for every generation. He said that the IGM-2025 will serve as a medium to connect future generations with their cultural roots and introduce the world to the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the idea that the world is one family.
He said that, in collaboration with social organizations, a ‘Shobha Yatra' (a traditional religious procession) will be organized and special attention be given to cleanliness throughout the IGM. He said that a dedicated campaign involving religious, social, and other organizations, along with public participation, will ensure that the sacred land of Kurukshetra remains clean and beautiful.
The Chief Minister further directed that all arrangements for the successful conduct of the IGM-2025 be completed in advance to avoid any inconvenience to visitors. Priority should be given to management, security, traffic, parking, drinking water, health services, sanitation, and other essential facilities, he said.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that during the IGM-2025, visitors should experience a glimpse of the state’s culture and traditions, ensuring they leave with a memorable and positive experience.
Gita is a Guiding Scripture for World Welfare – Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj
Gita Manishi Swami Shri Gyananand Ji Maharaj said that the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is not only a scripture of the eternal Sanatan tradition but also a guiding text for the welfare of the entire world. He emphasized that in today’s times, as the world faces various anxieties, challenges, and natural calamities, spiritual, scientific, and practical solutions can be found through the teachings of the Gita.
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj highlighted that the Haryana Government and the Kurukshetra Development Board are continuously working in this direction through their dedicated efforts. He shared that earlier, focus was mainly on political and economic relations between countries, but through the IGM organized by the Haryana Government, spiritual and cultural ties between nations are now being strengthened and given new direction.
For the first time, the IGM to be held in 40 countries with support from the Ministry of External Affairs
In the meeting it was shared that for the first time, under the Ministry of External Affairs’ initiative, programs of the IGM-2025 will be organized in 40 countries. The main events in Kurukshetra will be live-streamed in these countries. Additionally, more than 25 scholars from over 15 countries and ambassadors from more than 20 countries will attend the festival in Kurukshetra.
21 days of spiritual and cultural celebration
The IGM-2025 will span 21 days, with the main events lasting eight days. Several programmes will commence even before the festival officially begins. From November 4 to 14, an online Gita quiz will be conducted, followed by the ‘Gita Run’ on November 15. From November 15 to December 5, a handicrafts and Saras Mela will take place, along with daily evening bhajan sessions and Maha Aarti at Purushottampura Bagh.
The main events from November 24 to December 1 include the Haryana Pavilion, partner states’ exhibitions, a book fair, a state-level exhibition by the Information Public Relations and Languages Department, and cultural programmes at the main stage in Purushottampura Bagh during the day and evening. On November 24, Gita Yajna, Gita Poojan, the International Gita Seminar at Kurukshetra University, a Sarva Dharma Sammelan, and cultural events at Jyotisar, Sannihit Sarovar, and Purushottampura Bagh will be held.
On November 25, the International Gita Seminar will continue at the university, followed by discourses at Jyotisar and Sannihit Sarovar, and cultural programmes at Purushottampura Bagh. November 26 will see the seminar’s conclusion and cultural events at Purushottampura Bagh. On November 27, cultural programmes will continue at Purushottampura Bagh. From November 28 to 30, the Education Department will organize Gita shloka recitation, debates, essay writing, painting, rangoli, mehndi, and other competitions.
On December 1, the schedule includes Gita Path and Yajna at Jyotisar at 9 am, Global Gita Path, the 48 Kos Teerth Conference at the university, Deepotsav at Sannihit Sarovar at 5:30 pm, Deepdaan and Aarti at Brahmasarovar at 6 pm, and cultural programs at Purushottampura Bagh.
Crafts Mela to feature artisans from seven countries
Seven international artisans have been invited to display their craftsmanship at the IGM-2025. Their works will be showcased at Brahmasarovar and Purushottampura Bagh, offering visitors a chance to experience global art. Additionally, the Jyotisar Experience Center will be integrated with the festival so visitors there can also participate in the celebrations.