- Massive Gita chanting event draws devotees, monks, and BJP leaders
- Organisers aim to promote spiritual heritage and social harmony
Hyderabad: Lakhs of devotees, including sadhus and sadhvis from across West Bengal and neighbouring states, participated in a grand Bhagavad Gita recital at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, organisers said. The event, named ‘Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path,’ saw monks chanting shlokas in unison, marking one of the largest collective recitals of the Gita in the state.
Senior BJP leaders, including former state chief Sukanta Majumdar, ex-MP Locket Chatterjee, and MLA Agnimitra Paul, joined prominent religious figures such as Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj, popularly known as Kartik Maharaj, and Dhirendra Shastri in the programme. Paul said, “The Gita is not for Hindus alone, it is for all 140 crore people of India.” Organisers added that the event aimed to revive West Bengal’s spiritual heritage and foster social harmony through scripture.
Elaborate arrangements ensure safety and participation
The organisers projected participation of five lakh people and set up three large stages at the venue. Security was intensified across central Kolkata, and emergency medical services were arranged for the crowd. Spiritual lead was taken by Swami Gyananandaji Maharaj of the Geeta Manishi Mahamandal. Yoga guru Baba Ramdev and several other prominent monks were invited to guide the recital.
The event follows a politically charged context. On the previous day, suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir laid the foundation of a mosque in Murshidabad modelled on the Babri Masjid. Kartik Maharaj said, “In a climate of division, spiritual practice can restore calm and direction.” Thousands from across the state pledged participation, reflecting both religious enthusiasm and heightened public attention ahead of the assembly elections due early next year.
This gathering comes exactly two years after a similar ‘one lakh voices’ Gita chanting programme at Brigade in December 2023, which had triggered political debates, with the ruling TMC accusing the BJP of using religion for polarisation. Organisers insisted the focus remained on spiritual unity and social cohesion.
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