Gita Jayanti — When It Is Celebrated and How

What is Gita Jayanti?

Gita Jayanti celebrates the day on which Lord Krishna is believed to have taught the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It is observed on the Ekadashi of the bright half of Margashirsha (Agrahayana), which is also known as Mokshada Ekadashi — "the Ekadashi that grants liberation". It usually falls in late November or December. See the date for this year on our Ekadashi calendar (look for Mokshada Ekadashi).

How it is observed

• Reading the Gita — many families and temples read all 18 chapters (path) during the day, or recite selected chapters such as 12 and 15.
• Ekadashi fast — devotees keep the Mokshada Ekadashi fast and break it the next morning during parana.
• Puja of Krishna and the Gita — the book itself is worshipped with flowers, tulsi and a lamp.
• Gifting the Gita — giving copies of the Gita is considered meritorious.
• Talks and quizzes — schools and spiritual organisations hold Gita recitation competitions and lectures.

International Gita Mahotsav, Kurukshetra

Haryana holds the International Gita Mahotsav at Kurukshetra around Gita Jayanti, with deep daan at Brahma Sarovar, cultural programmes and a craft fair. Jyotisar near Kurukshetra, with its ancient banyan tree, is revered as the place where the Gita was spoken. Check the Haryana government's official announcements for the dates each year.

Why Margashirsha?

In the Gita itself (10.35) Krishna says, "Among months I am Margashirsha", which is one reason the month is especially sacred.