In a historic event, one lakh people are set to gather at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade ground on December 24 to simultaneously recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita. Organized by the Lokkho Konthe Gitapatha Committee, an association of cultural and religious organizations, this grand program named ‘Ek Lakh Gita Path’ is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Swami Nirgunanda Maharaj, one of the organizers, highlighted the uniqueness of the event, stating that Gita paths have occurred globally for centuries, but this magnitude of gathering is unprecedented. Previous Gita recitation events hosted thousands, including a 5,000-strong gathering at the Iskon temple in Nawadip and a 20,000-strong event in the USA. The organizers have extended invitations to notable figures, including the President of India, Dwarkadhish Shankaracharya, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
While Prime Minister Modi has shown interest in the event, his attendance is yet to be confirmed by his team. Swami Nirgunanda Maharaj emphasized the apolitical nature of the program, rejecting any political affiliations. He drew a parallel with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s participation in Durga Puja events, stating that the focus is on spreading awareness of the Bhagavad Gita.
Bhagavad Gita Sales Soar in Kolkata
Ahead of the mega event, Kolkata has witnessed a substantial increase in the sale of Bhagavad Gita copies. According to Anand Ladia, manager of Gita Press’s Kolkata unit, the city and Bengal have seen a threefold increase in sales. Gita Press alone has re-coded 55,000 Bengali copies in the last month, with an additional sale of 34,000 Hindi copies in November—three times the sales in September and October.
Kolkata’s College Street market, known for its bookstores, reported a surge in Bhagavad Gita sales, attributing it to the upcoming special ‘Ekadashi’ known as ‘Mokshada Ekadashi,’ falling on Saturday, December 23. Additionally, the anticipation of the mega event at Brigade Parade ground on December 24 has further boosted the sale of Bhagavad Gita copies in the city.
As the spiritual and cultural fervor intensifies in Kolkata, residents eagerly await the historic gathering to collectively recite the verses of the revered Bhagavad Gita.
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