Skip to content
India is a confluence of multifaceted cultures. The kaleidoscopic land is famous for innumerable fairs and festivals. Gita Jayanti, the day standing for the birth of Srimad Bhagavad Gita is one of many celebrations observed in India.
Bhagavad Gita as it is the sacred scripture of the Hindus is believed to be revealed by Lord Krishna to Arjuna during Mahabharata battle in Kurukshetra.
Bhagavad Gita Jayanti is celebrated every year on Shukla Ekadashi in Margashirsha month. In English calendar, it falls in the month of November-December.
Gita Jayanti 2023 date is 22th December. Followers of Lord Krishna including the ISKON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) celebrate this day with great pomp and show.
Historical Background
It is believed that the dissertation of Srimad Bhagavad Gita came into existence just before the epic battle of Kurukshetra.
When the day of the war approached, armies of both sides gathered in the battleground. Just before the battle, Arjuna asked Lord Krishna- his charioteer to drive it just in the middle of the battlefield from where he could see both the armies.
Seeing his Gurus, Grandsire and others, Arjuna became emotional. He got confused and started trembling. He deviated from his Kshatriya duties. The thought of killing his own kin and kith in the battleground made him sick. He turned towards Lord Krishna for advice and told about his sudden change of heart.
Lord Krishna took the Vishvarupa avatar and showed Arjuna his Omni-form to teach him. The immortal messages that He gave to Arjuna became Bhagavad Gita. Hence, Srimad Bhagavat Gita came into existence.
Bhagavath Geetha Jayanti Celebration
People all over the world celebrate Gita Jayanti by reciting Bhagavath Geetha slokas, quotes and verses. They also discuss it with scholars and priests and share its benefits for the humanity. As the festival is observed on Ekadashi, devotees keep a fast. They also sing Krishna bhajan, devotional song and perform dan..ce. Later, they worship Lord Krishna and distribute prasad and sweets.
Rituals and customs
ISKON temples and shrines dedicated to Lord Krishna rejoice the day with Krishna bhajan, prayers, and pooja.
Followers from India and abroad visit Kurukshetra on Gita Jayanti to take a holy dip in the sacred ponds. They worship Lord Krishna and perform aarti.
Some of the followers decorate their space with Krishna pictures and wallpapers while some of them recite Srimad Bhagavad Gita in Hindi, English, and other languages they prefer.
Gita Jayanti 2018
In 2018, Gita Jayanti will fall on 18 December.
