International Gita Mahotsav 2023: A Moral and Cultural Resurgence

As you know message of Gita is followed and shared by many communities worldwide. To commemorate the birth of Gita, International Gita Mahotsav is celebrated every year at Kurukshetra, Haryana (India) where people from all parts of the world congregate to celebrate. For last more than 30 years, the Government of Haryana in India is Celebrating Gita Mahotsav festival in collaboration with Kurukshetra Development Board. In the beginning, only cultural and religious programs were organized by the participating organizations and the Kurukshetra Development Board, but later on a wide range of social, cultural, and academic programs got incorporated with the festival.

The Celebration of Gita Mahotsav brings a moral and cultural resurgence among the people. It gives a message of peace and karma. It becomes even more relevant today as we are living in challenging times. The prime objective of celebrating the festival of Gita Jayanti is to enlighten the people with the immortal and intangible heritage of Bhagavad-Gita – the message of love, peace, and harmony.

Exhibition from different social and cultural organizations are also organized on the occasion. Many Indian & foreign scholars participate in the Seminar on the Gita

Since 2019, it’s been celebrated Internationally. First International celebration was in Mauritius in Feb’19, followed by London in Aug’19 and in Canada in Sep’22.

Continuing the legacy, “Association of Haryanvis in Australia” (AHA) brought International Gita Mahotsav to Australia and celebrated it collaboratively with more than 60 other cultural, social, religious and community organisations like BAPS, Hindu Council of Australia, VHP, HSS, All World Gayatri Parivar, ISKCON, SRMD etc. It was scheduled to be celebrated in Australia in Mar’20 but was postponed because of COVID-19.

In April this year, Australia welcomed the International Gita Mahotsav on its shores. As a precursor to the International Gita Mahotsav, an opening event was held on 24th April 2023 at the BAPS temple in Brisbane. The highlight of the event was the handing over of the Gita to Mr Milton Dick, Hon Speaker of the Australian Federal Parliament, who addressed the audience and said, “I am deeply humbled to accept this sacred book on behalf of the Australian Parliament and it’s the proudest moment of my life. This is not only a significant moment for the Parliament but also for all Australians. The Bhagavad Gita is a symbol of peace, unity, and spirituality, and its teachings can be applied in all aspects of our lives.”

The International Gita Mahotsav held in Australia from the 28th to 30th of April 2023 witnessed a grand opening ceremony in Canberra on the first day of the event. The opening ceremony was attended by more than 350 people at Federal Parliament Canberra, including distinguished guests from India and Australia.

The ceremony began with the recital of national anthems of Australia and India followed by a Ganesh Vandana. The audience was then treated to a soulful rendition of Srimad Gitamahatmyam, which set the tone for the event. A lamp was lit by distinguished guests, followed by a floral welcome and presentation of Bhagwat Gita to all guests.

Sewa Singh, IGM 2023 Co-ordinator, introduced the event and shared his excitement about the festival. “We are thrilled to bring the International Gita Mahotsav to Australia, and we hope that this festival will deepen the spiritual connection between India and Australia,” said Singh.

A video on Kurukshetra and the International Gita Mahotsav was presented, which showcased the significance of the festival and its historical roots. High Commissioner of India in Australia, Mr Manpreet Vohra, addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of the Bhagavad Gita and its relevance in today’s world.

David Smith MP, Chief Whip Govt of Australia, and Deepak Raj Gupta, Chief Adviser ACT Chief Minister, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges between India and Australia. Swami Vigyananand, National General Secretary (Foreign Affairs) of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, shared his thoughts on the significance of the Gita in modern times.

Anil Vij, Health and Home Minister of Haryana, delivered an inspiring address and said, “The Gita teaches us that we must do our duty without worrying about the outcome, and this is a message that resonates across the world.” A video message from Mr Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana, was played, who extended his best wishes to the festival.

Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and Swami Gurusharnanand Ji addressed the gathering, sharing their insights into the teachings of the Gita. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by the Hindu Council of Australia Chair, Mr Santosh Gupta.

The opening ceremony was a grand success, and it set the tone for the rest of the festival. The event provided a platform for cultural exchange and spiritual growth, bringing people from different communities and backgrounds together.

The second day of the International Gita Mahotsav was equally captivating with a range of intellectual, cultural, and spiritual programs. The Exhibition & Seminar held on the 29th of April 2023 at the ICC Sydney marked the second day of the International Gita Mahotsav, and it was a resounding success, attended by more than 2500 people at the venue and another 2,000 people live streaming the event through social media. The event started with the Purnakumbha Swagatam, followed by the national anthems of both Australia and India, Ganesha Vandana, Deepa Jwalanam with slokas, and Ashtadashi Shaloki Chanting.

Sewa Singh, National President of the Association of Haryanvis in Australia, and Co-ordinator of the International Gita Mahotsav Organising Committee 2023, welcomed the guests with his opening remarks, saying, “We are proud to bring the International Gita Mahotsav to Australia, and we are grateful for the overwhelming response and support from the community here. The teachings of the Gita are universal and timeless, and this event is a celebration of our shared values and heritage.”

Mr Madan Mohan Chhabra, Honorary Secretary of Kurukshetra Development Board, in his address highlighted about the International Gita Mahotsav, Kurukshetra and Kurukshetra Development Board. A video documentary about the Gita Mahotsav was also screened, that showcased the various events and activities organized as part of the festival in India and other countries. Stephen Kemper, the Multicultural Minister of New South Wales, was presented with the Bhagavad Gita and he said, “I am delighted to be part of this significant event that celebrates the values of the Bhagavad Gita. The message of the Gita transcends time and geography, and it is a source of inspiration and wisdom for people from all walks of life.”

Akila Ramarathinam, National General Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Australia, and Swami Shrikharanand of the Chinmaya Mission, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of the Gita and its relevance in modern times. The Australian School of Meditation and Yoga performed a mesmerising Kirtan, and a video message from Swami Bhadresh Swami Ji from BAPS was also shown. Manish Gupta, Consul General of India, and Swami Vigyananand, Secretary of VHP, addressed the gathering and emphasized the role of the Gita in promoting harmony and understanding among people of different cultures and faiths.

Meenakshi Lekhi, Culture Minister, Government of India, sent a video message in which she congratulated the organizers for successfully bringing the International Gita Mahotsav to Australia and spoke about the importance of the Gita in promoting peace and harmony in the world. Gajendra Chauhan, who played the role of Yudhishthira in the famous TV series Mahabharata, also addressed the gathering, sharing his experience of working on the show and the impact it had on popular culture and society.

Participants of the essay competition were awarded prizes, and Anil Vij ji, Health & Home Minister Haryana, addressed the gathering, speaking about the role of the Gita in promoting moral values and ethics in society. Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, from GIEO Gita Sansthan in Kurukshetra, spoke about the significance of the Gita and its relevance in modern times, saying, “The Gita is not just a book, it is a way of life. Its teachings are timeless and universal, and they can guide us in our personal and professional lives.”

Mr Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana, sent a video message and expressed his gratitude to the organizers for hosting such a magnificent event that celebrates the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. In his message, he emphasized the importance of Gita’s teachings in guiding us towards a meaningful and purposeful life. Swami Gurusharnanand Ji also addressed the audience and shared his insights on the significance of the Gita in today’s world. He spoke about the relevance of Gita’s teachings in addressing the challenges of modern-day life and emphasized the need to imbibe its teachings in our daily lives. The event also featured cultural programs that highlighted the rich cultural heritage of India. The performances were a visual treat for the audience, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indian culture. The cultural programs received a standing ovation from the audience and were a fitting tribute to the beauty and elegance of Indian traditions.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mahipal Dhanda, MLA of Panipat, Haryana, who expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the organizers in making the event a grand success. He thanked all the guests, participants, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event and hoped that Gita’s teachings would continue to inspire and guide us in our lives.

The third day of the International Gita Mahotsav was marked by the Gita Sadbhavna Yatra, cultural programs, and a grand closing ceremony. The day’s events commenced with a Gita Yagna at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Rosehill. The Yagna was attended by Andrew Charleton, Federal MP for Parramatta, and was flagged off by Julia Finn, MP for Granville. The Yagna was performed by Swami Gianananand ji Maharaj and more than 10 priests, who chanted Vedic mantras and performed various rituals. Following the Gita Yagna, the Gita Sadbhavna Yatra was held from the BAPS Temple in Rosehill to the Parramatta River foreshore. The Yatra was accompanied by floats from different temples and organizations. The Sadbhavna Yatra was welcomed by Swami Gurusharnanand ji Maharaj at the Parramatta River Foreshore, who praised the efforts of the organizers and participants in promoting the message of the Gita.

The yatra was an exquisite cultural extravaganza by the best Indian dance schools and other organizations. The highlight of the event was the Gita Arti on the lines of Ganga Arti in Varanasi, which was attended by more than 3000 people. The chants of Gita mantras echoed on the banks of the Parramatta River, creating a divine atmosphere.

The event was addressed by Swami Gianananand Ji Maharaj, who spoke about the relevance of the Gita in the modern world and how it provides a roadmap for leading a happy and fulfilling life. The event was also addressed by Hon Chris Bowen, Federal Minister for Energy and Climate Change, who lauded the efforts of the organizers in promoting the message of the Gita and how it can help in creating a better world.

Other dignitaries who graced the occasion included David Saliba, Member for Fairfield, Donna Davis, Member for Parramatta, Sameer Pandey, Deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta Council, and other distinguished guests including Swami Vigyananand ji, Gajendra Chauhan, Madan Mohan Chhabra, Honorary Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board and Akhil Pilani, CEO of the Kurukshetra Development Board. The presence of these dignitaries added to the grandeur of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Pilani said, “The Bhagavad Gita teaches us about the value of teamwork, leadership, and ethical decision-making. It is a guide to success not just in our personal lives, but also in our professional endeavours.”

The day’s events concluded with a spectacular display of fireworks, which lit up the night sky and left the audience spellbound. The event ended with the distribution of Prasad to all the people present there, who went home with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction.

The three-day International Gita Mahotsav concluded on a high note, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who participated. The International Gita Mahotsav was a resounding success, bringing together over 40 Hindu organisations for a common cause – to celebrate the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and showcase the richness of Hindu culture to a global audience. This event was a first of its kind in Australia, and its scale and impact were truly remarkable. The three-day festival saw a tremendous response from people of all ages, backgrounds, and nationalities, who came together to explore, learn, and experience Gita’s wisdom and cultural heritage.

The International Gita Mahotsav was a landmark event that left a lasting impact on the Australian landscape. It brought together people from all over the country and the world, transcending cultural, linguistic, and geographic barriers, to celebrate the Bhagavad Gita and the rich cultural heritage of Hinduism. This event set a new benchmark for future events and proved that when diverse organisations come together for a common cause, the possibilities are endless.

The International Gita Mahotsav is a true testament to the power of collaboration, unity, and inclusivity. By bringing together a diverse range of Hindu organisations, the festival demonstrated the strength and vibrancy of the Hindu community in Australia and its ability to organise a world-class event that was inclusive and welcoming to all. The festival also served as a platform for the Hindu community to connect and engage with people from all walks of life, build bridges of understanding and goodwill, and showcase the best of Hindu culture and traditions. The success of this event is a testament to the strength, unity, and resilience of the Hindu community in Australia, and we look forward to many more such celebrations in the future.

(Inputs credit: Sewa Singh, Co-ordinator, IGM Organising Committee National President, Association of Haryanvis in Australia).