Gurugram, Nov 26 (IANS) The first-ever International Gita Mahotsav, being organised and celebrated by the Haryana government in Kurukshetra, will offer people a unique spectacle and also make for a nucleus of global attraction.
Talking on this at a press conference at Haryana Bhavan in Delhi on Saturday, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said the mega event, to be held from December 6-10 this year, would set a world record with the recitation of 'Ashtadash Shloki Gita' by as many as 18,000 students at one go.
Besides, it is for the first time that it would be simultaneously chanted by hundreds of people in many countries of the world. President Pranab Mukherjee is scheduled to inaugurate Gita Mahotsav on December 6.
During the 'Mahotsav', youth from 574 districts across the country would reach Kurukshetra, showcasing one Shloka each scripted on their traditional dresses.
They would also bring along sand from their respective districts which would be utilized to make an idol of Lord Krishna to symbolise unity and integrity of the country.
Khattar said with a view to spread the eternal message of Gita to the world community, the global chanting of Srimad Bhagavad Gita would be held from 6 p.m. to 6.15 p.m. on Gita Jayanti Day before the final "deepdan ceremony" at Brahamsarovar in Kurukshetra.
Eighteen selected verses of Gita from as many chapters would be recited on this occasion. These verses would be available to the participants through YouTube.
The countries where global chanting would be held include India, Australia (Canberra ), Bahrain, Canada (Vancouver), Paris in France, Hong Kong, Jakarta in Indonesia, Kenya, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, UAE, Britain, California, Arizona, Chicago and New York in the US.
