Over 1.06 crore people globally witness International Gita Mahotsav online
The International Gita Mahotsav, which is being organised at the holy banks of Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, got a massive response from people during this year as over 1.06 crore people worldwide experienced the event through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
To preserve the memories of the grand celebration, 17 lakh people visited the official website of the International Gita Mahotsav and downloaded videos. Besides, 31 lakh people downloaded photographs from the website to adorn their homes and cherish the event’s moments, said Upendra Sighal, honorary secretary of the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB).
An agency was given the charge to update the website of the International Gita Mahotsav, which has ensured that all activities and programmes from November 28 onward were consistently updated on the website. As per reports, the social media platforms of the programme garnered over 1.06 crore global engagements. Out of these, 75 lakh liked the uploaded videos and 31 lakh liked the photos shared on the platforms, he said.
Singhal highlighted that the official website recorded over 17 lakh hits during the Mahotsav. Countries including the USA, Poland, Canada, Japan, Australia, England, Germany, Israel, and Tanzania actively participated in the online activities. These statistics indicate the success of the Haryana Government and the KDB in spreading the cultural, religious, and educational significance of the Mahotsav to the global stage. The initiative has brought people closer to the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
He further revealed that the online participation was particularly high in the USA, with 68,244 users visiting the website 352,433 times to enjoy mahotsav’s programmes. Similarly, in India as many as 260,359 users made 12,75,323 visits. Then 16,004 users recorded 16,036 visits in Poland, 4,052 users recorded 28,101 visits in Canada, 1,083 users visited 4,821 times in Japan, 493 users accessed the site for 3,630 times in Australia, 620 users visited 1,594 times in the United Kingdom, 300 users made 4,000 visits in Germany and 400 users made 1,500 visits in Ireland, he added.
People enjoy folk art
at Brahma Sarovar
The International Gita Mahotsav, which started from November 28 and will end on December 15, is also witnessing huge crowds as a large number of people are visiting it daily. The sacred banks of Brahma Sarovar have come alive with a vibrant blend of tradition and culture during the ongoing mahotsav.
Folk artists from various states have showcased the rich cultural heritage of their regions, mesmerizing audiences with performances featuring traditional instruments such as bean, flute and drums. Tourists have enthusiastically joined the rhythm, dancing to the beats of the nagada and dhol, immersing themselves in the vibrant hues of the Mahotsav. The energy and charm of folk music and dance have infused an excitement among the visitors.
Artisans and folk performers expressed their gratitude for such events, which not only showcase their crafts but also inspire them to sustain their traditions. The artisans highlighted how their work contributes to livelihoods and expressed their wish for more such events across the country. “These international-level platforms help us display our art and culture not just within the state but across the nation,” said an artisan.
