Kurukshetra Development Board boosts preparations for International Gita Mahotsav

With the elections over, the Kurukshetra Development Board has intensified its preparation for the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM-24). The 18-day celebrations will begin next month on the banks of Brahma Sarovar in Kuruksehtra.

As per the KDB authorities, while the Saras and craft fairs as part of the celebrations will be organised from November 28 to December 15, the main events will be held from December 5 to 11.

The IGM is a major fair in Kurukshetra and it attracts lakhs of tourists during the 18-day celebrations from across the country. In the last edition of the IGM, artists and craftsmen from 24 states had reached Kurukshetra for the mahotsav. Around 650 stalls were set up and over 250 craftsmen, including national and state awardees from across the country, had also reached to showcase their art.

An official in the KDB said committees were formed to make arrangements and directions were issued to prepare the scope of work in July itself and the process to float the tenders was also started but due to model code in force, the preparations were affected. Some of the tenders also got stuck due to the MCC, now the MCC has been lifted and the pending tenders are being floated. Once the CM takes oath, the board and the government will start giving final shape to the mahotsav. Since the BJP is back in power with full majority, the celebrations will be at a bigger scale this year.

Upender Singhal, honorary secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board, said, “We are planning to bring all big religious and social organisations of the country on one stage and ensure their involvement in the celebrations. A majority of the tenders have been floated. Some tenders were pending due to the model code but now, the remaining tenders will be floated soon. The routine meetings for the preparations are being held and after the oath ceremony of the CM, the formal meetings will begin. The IGM will be organised at a grand scale. Besides Brahma Sarovar, various events related to the mahotsav will be held at all Tirthas under the 48-kos, and other districts of the state.”

Madan Mohan Chhabra, chairman 48-kos Tirtha Monitoring Committee, said, “The Haryana Government has already formed a fair authority in the state to ensure smooth management, and organisation of the mahotsav. The participation of public and religious organisations will be increased this year and the major Tirthas related to Lord Krishna across the country will be linked with the mahotsav. Every year, lakhs of tourists reach Kurukshetra to attend the mahotsav and all efforts are being made to provide better facilities and a good experience to the visitors.”