*International Gita Mahotsav to take place from November 28 to December 15 in Dharmakshetra Kurukshetra - Chief Minister*
*Gita Jayanti on December 11: Gita Yajna and Global Recitation by 18,000 Students at Jyotisar Teerth*
*Chief Minister urges citizens of Haryana and the nation to join the International Gita Mahotsav*
*Mahotsav offers Odisha an opportunity to exchange and share its rich Culture and Heritage with Haryana – MoS Suryabanshi Suraj*
*Events like the Gita Mahotsav go beyond mere celebration; they strengthen deep ties between our nations - Mrs. Anisa Kapufi Mbega*
*The impact of Bhagavad Gita is now felt globally – Swami Gyanannand*
Chandigarh, Nov 22 – This year, the International Gita Mahotsav 2024 will be celebrated with great enthusiasm on the sacred land of Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra, a site of profound significance in Indian culture and the birthplace of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The festival will showcase a divine confluence of spirituality, culture, and art. The grand event will take place from November 28 to December 15, running continuously for 18 days, during which the timeless message of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita will be shared with all of humanity.
This was informed by the Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing a press conference here today. He said that the solution to every problem can be found in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. He said that this sacred granth has inspired many of the world’s leading thinkers, and it is our duty to ensure its teachings reach every home and individual.
He said that this year, the United Republic of Tanzania will be the partner country for the International Gita Mahotsav, while Odisha will be the partner state. Tanzania also participated as a partner country in the International Surajkund Crafts Fair held in February. He highlighted that Indian diaspora in Tanzania actively organize recitations of the Shri Ramayana and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. The presence of numerous Hindu temples in Tanzania fosters a connection between Indian culture and the country. He also said that Odisha boasts significant pilgrimage sites such as Jagannath Puri, the Konark Sun Temple, and the Lingaraj and Mukteshwar Temples in Bhubaneswar, all of which are sources of pride for Sanatan culture. People can see a glimpse of this rich heritage at the Mahotsav.
*Haryana has a deep economic and social relationship with Tanzania*
The Chief Minister said that Haryana has a long-standing relationship with Tanzania, with delegations from Haryana visiting the country twice, comprising industrialists, farmers, and representatives from various trades. He said that Tanzania serves as a gateway to Africa and that the two regions share deep economic and social ties. He said that the International Gita Mahotsav will enhance the partnership between the two countries, with Tanzanian Ministers also expected to participate in the Mahotsav. This event will provide the people of Tanzania with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Haryana. The similarities between Haryana and Tanzania will make the event particularly engaging and will further strengthen their relationship.
*Lakhs of people from India and abroad participate in the International Gita Mahotsav*
Sh Nayab Singh Saini stated that the International Gita Mahotsav has achieved immense success and popularity over the past eight years, since year 2016. Lakhs of people from India and abroad attend the Mahotsav. Last year, approximately 45 to 50 lakh people participated, and a similar turnout is expected this year.
He highlighted that for the first time in 2019, the International Gita Mahotsav was held in Mauritius and London, followed by celebrations in Canada in September 2022, Australia in April 2023, and Sri Lanka and England in 2024.
The Chief Minister said that Dharmakshetra-Kurukshetra is spread over a radius of 48 Kos, with 182 pilgrimage sites from the Mahabharata period identified in the area. He said that Lord Shri Krishna delivered the message of the Holy Gita to Arjuna, a message meant for all of humanity. He recalled Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi's vision of spreading the Gita's teachings to every home and across the world. In line with this vision, Gita Manisha Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj is actively working to share the Gita's message globally.
*Gita Yajna and Pujan to be held at Brahma Sarovar on 5th December*
The Chief Minister shared that from November 28 to December 15, a grand Gita Mahaarati will be held daily on the sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar. Cultural programs will take place at various pilgrimage sites throughout the 48 Kos of Kurukshetra from November 28 to December 11. The festival will officially kick off with a Gita Yajna and Pujan at Brahma Sarovar on December 5. On the same day, a three-day 'International Gita Seminar' will begin at Kurukshetra University. On ecember 9, a saint sammelan will be held at Purushottampura Bagh, followed by an All India Devasthanam Conference at the same location on December 10. The Chief Minister highlighted that on Gita Jayanti, December 11, a Gita Yajna and Bhagwat Katha will be organized at Jyotisar Tirtha, with a global recitation of the Gita by 18,000 students.
On December 11, there will be a 8 Kos Tirtha Sammelan, Gita Shobha Yatra, Deepotsav, and cultural programs at 182 pilgrimage sites within Kurukshetra University. As in previous years, Gita book fairs and exhibitions will also take place at Brahma Sarovar from December 5 to 11.
*Cultural glimpses of different countries will be seen in the Crafts and Saras Mela*
The Chief Minister said that a Crafts and Saras Mela will also take place from November 28 to December 15, featuring the cultures of Tanzania and Odisha, along with the artistic creations of various craftsmen. Additionally, cultural programs will be organized at all district headquarters from December 9 to 11. He urged all residents of Haryana and the nation to actively participate in the International Gita Mahotsav.
*Mahotsav offers Odisha an opportunity to exchange and share its rich Culture and Heritage with Haryana – MoS Suryabanshi Suraj*
On this occasion, Sh. Suryabanshi Suraj, Minister of State for Languages, Literature, and Culture, Government of Odisha, expressed gratitude to the Haryana Government for designating Odisha as the partner state this year. He highlighted that Haryana is the land of the Gita, while Odisha is the land of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, who is regarded as an avatar of Lord Krishna. He said that the Mahotsav will provide Odisha with an opportunity to exchange and share its rich culture, heritage, folk dances, and traditional cuisine with Haryana.
*Events like the Gita Mahotsav go beyond mere celebration; they strengthen deep ties between our nations - Mrs. Anisa Kapufi Mbega*
Speaking on this occasion, Mrs. Anisa Kapufi Mbega, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to India, expressed gratitude to the Government of Haryana for designating Tanzania as the partner country for the event. She said that this partnership demonstrates how culture can unite people.
She said that in 2023, the President of Tanzania visited India, and during his meeting with Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, both leaders agreed to strengthen relations between Tanzania and India. Mrs. Mbega also mentioned that two Tanzanian ministers are expected to attend this year’s Gita Mahotsav.
She highlighted that trade between Tanzania and Haryana has significantly increased in recent years, driven by their cultural similarities. “Together, we can foster inclusive growth,” she stated. Events like the Gita Mahotsav go beyond mere celebration; they strengthen deep ties between our nations. With Tanzania being home to the largest Indian community in Africa, she said that together, we can achieve remarkable milestones.
*The impact of Bhagavad Gita is now felt globally – Swami Gyanannand*
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that this year marks the completion of 5,161 years since the sacred message of Bhagavad Gita were revealed. The International Gita Mahotsav has been celebrated for the past eight years, and the impact of the Gita is now felt globally. It is increasingly regarded on the international stage as a source of solutions.
Swami Gyananand said that programmes of Gita Mahotsav has already been organized in five countries: Mauritius, England, Canada, Australia, and Sri Lanka. The acceptance of the Gita has grown in various forms around the world, leading to a greater understanding of its importance. This surge in interest has heightened the global attraction to Kurukshetra. He said that all chief sewak from mythological pilgrimage sites across the nation should visit Kurukshetra. This would help in strengthen cultural ties and further promote the teachings of the Gita, he added.
Principal Secretary Heritage and Tourism Smt. Kala Ramchandran, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Amit Agrawal, Director General Information, Public Relations and Languages Department Sh. K.M. Pandurang and officers of Kurukshetra Development Board were also present on this occasion.
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*We will make Gita Sthal Kurukshetra Clean and Beautiful on the Lines of Prayagraj Tirtha: Nayab Singh Saini*
*Chief Minister to participate in Shramdaan for Kurukshetra’s Cleanliness; City to be divided into 18 Sectors for Clean-up before 27th November*
Chandigarh, Nov 22 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that, similar to the efforts in Prayagraj Tirtha, Gitasthal Kurukshetra will also be made clean and beautiful. He said that to ensure the complete cleanliness of this Karmasthal, he himself will participate in the Swachhata Abhiyan by contributing to Shramdaan. On the advice of Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand, the city will be divided into 18 sectors, and efforts will be made to make it completely clean and beautiful by 27th November. The Chief Minister urged all social workers, religious groups, youth, women, and citizens to actively participate and cooperate in the cleanliness campaign. Together, they will work to transform this sacred city into a globally recognized "Swachh Kurukshetra."
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a gathering at a program organized by social organizations under the aegis of the Kurukshetra Development Board, held at the Gita Gyan Sansthanam auditorium late on Friday evening.
Earlier, Chief Minister honored prominent figures including Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand, Mahamandaleshwar Dr. Shashvatnand Maharaj, Swami Bansipuri Maharaj, Paramhans Gyaneshwar Maharaj, Swami Hariom Parivajaak, and Swami Satpal Maharaj by presenting them with shawls. Following this, KDB Honorary Secretary Upendra Singhal, Chairman of the 48 Kos Tirth Niravankary Committee Madan Mohan Chhabra, and member Vijay Narula, as per tradition, honored Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. During the program, representatives from Kurukshetra's social and religious organizations presented over 25 suggestions.
Chief Minister warmly welcomed all the saints with folded hands and urged social workers and representatives of religious organizations to work together with the government and administration in support of the upcoming International Gita Mahotsav, scheduled from 28 November to 15 December. He emphasized that their cooperation would help ensure the festival's success with dignity and grandeur. The Chief Minister reminded everyone that it was on this sacred land, 5,161 years ago, that Lord Krishna delivered the message of the Gita to the world through Arjuna. To spread these teachings, Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi organized the Gita Mahotsav at the Red Fort, urging the message of the Gita to reach every home. Furthermore, thanks to the efforts of former Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal, the Gita Jayanti was transformed into an international festival in 2016. This celebration has now also been held in countries like Mauritius, England, Canada, Australia, and Sri Lanka.
He said that the cooperation of society is essential to advance this Mahotsav. Everyone must unite on a single platform to carry the Mahotsav’s work forward. The government will ensure there is no shortage of funds for organizing the event. The administration and Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) are overseeing all the arrangements, but representatives of the organizations will need to take responsibility for monitoring these arrangements. He further stated that a detailed blueprint must be created to ensure Kurukshetra, the Dharmakshetra, is cleaned before 27 November. The responsibility for preparing this blueprint has been entrusted to the Deputy Commissioner. To achieve this goal, and as suggested by Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand, the city will be divided into 18 sectors, with each sector's responsibility assigned to social workers and religious organizations.
He stated that before 27 November, he himself will visit Kurukshetra to participate in the cleanliness drive through Shramdaan. With the collective efforts of all, Kurukshetra will be transformed into a clean and beautiful city, similar to the efforts in Prayagraj Tirtha. During the festival, a cleanliness drive will be carried out simultaneously at the 182 Tirthas of the 48 Kos of Kurukshetra. In addition to this, the festival will feature programs such as Deepdaan, cultural performances, and Gita recitations at these Tirthas, ensuring that the sacred sites are not only cleaned but also celebrated through these spiritual activities.
To ensure this, Chief Minister, Sh.Nayab Singh Saini himself has reached out to social and religious organisations. Therefore all such organisations should contribute to taking this Mahotsav to greater heights. Mahotsav achieved international status in 2016, although it has been organised since 1989.
*The World gaining inspiration from the International Gita Mahotsav: Swami Gyananand*
Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Maharaj said that programmes like the ‘Vaishvik Gita Paath’ during the International Gita Mahotsav are inspiring people worldwide. This Mahotsav has gained global recognition and has already been celebrated with its full grace and enthusiasm in five countries. Now, with the support of saints and social welfare organisations, the Mahotsav will be celebrated on an even larger scale. He said that the support of social organisations and citizens is essential for the success of this event. He stated that everyone should celebrate the Mahotsav with grandeur. He also emphasised civic organisations for their active participation in making the city clean and tidy.
On this occasion, former state minister Subhash Sudha along with other officials were present.
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*Haryana Police Creating Awareness Among the Public About Lane Driving*
*Special Campaign Run Till November 24th to Promote Road Safety and Lane Driving
*Road Accidents Decline; 662 Less Incidents and 278 Less Fatalities than Last Year*
*1883 Awareness Campaigns Conducted Till October 2024, 2,63,259 Children and People Participated*
Chandigarh, November 22: Haryana Police has launched a special campaign to promote lane discipline and road safety across the state, which will run until November 24. The campaign aims to educate the public about proper lane driving while penalizing violators to enhance compliance. As a result of the concerted efforts of the Haryana Police in this direction, there has been a decrease of 662 road accidents and 278 deaths in road accidents from January to October 2024 compared to the previous year. Not only this, 505 fewer people have been injured in road accidents during this period compared to the previous year.
Providing information about this, Director General of Police, Sh. Shatrujeet Kapur said that to reduce road accidents in the state, it is necessary that people follow traffic rules seriously. He said that one of the main reasons for road accidents in the state is also the violation of lane driving. If people drive their vehicles in the designated lane, road accidents can be reduced. He informed that under this campaign, challans have been issued for lane driving in Ambala, Panchkula, Kaithal, Sirsa, Faridabad, Kurukshetra, Charkhi Dadri, Nuh, Rohtak, Bhiwani, Karnal, Hisar, Yamunanagar, Jind, and Narnaul districts so far. This special campaign will be run and challans will be issued in Panipat, Dabwali, Jhajjar, Rewari, and Palwal districts on November 23 and in Gurugram, Sonipat, Hansi, and Fatehabad on November 24.
*Data Defining Lane Driving Violations*
Sharing the road safety data, he informed that from January 2024 to October 2024, challans were issued to 18,21,318 vehicle drivers for violating traffic rules. Similarly, 1883 awareness campaigns were conducted by Haryana Police in the year 2024 to make people aware of traffic rules, in which 2,63,259 people participated. Under the awareness campaign, people are made aware of lane driving rules in schools, villages, dhabas, truck unions, and factories in the state. During this time, they are given detailed information about the rules prescribed for heavy and light vehicles.
*Monitoring by Senior Officers*
Additional Director General of Police, Traffic and Highways, Sh. Hardeep Doon, informed that letters have been written to all Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police giving necessary directions regarding the work being done on lane driving. Apart from this, SPs and DSPs have also been directed to monitor the campaign being run to follow lane driving. He said that they should prevent heavy vehicle drivers from using the fast lane (right lane) and they should drive the vehicle only in the designated lane.
*Compliance with Lane Driving is Mandatory*
Giving guidelines for lane driving for safe travel, he informed that people should choose the correct lane while driving and change lanes only after giving a proper signal. People should use the right lane for overtaking. Always use the indicator before changing your lane and while overtaking. If a person is found violating lane driving rules for the first time, a fine of Rs. 500 and for the second time, a fine of Rs. 1500 has been provisioned as per the rules.
Sh.Doon appealed to the general public to ensure compliance with lane driving. Lane driving can reduce road accidents to a large extent. He said that our endeavor is that every member of the family should be safe and no family should have to face a sad time due to a road accident, so people should themselves follow lane driving and also motivate others to do so.
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*Cooperation Minister to inaugurate Sugar Mill crushing season on November 25*
Chandigarh, November 22 – Haryana Cooperation Minister, Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma, will inaugurate the 2024-25 crushing season of the Sugar Mill in Sonipat on November 25.
The event will also feature special guests, including Sonipat MLA Nikhil Madan, Rai MLA Krishna Gehlawat, Kharkhoda MLA Pawan Kharkhoda, and Ganaur MLA Devendra Kadyan.