THE SACRED LANDSCAPE
Discover Jyotisar
Explore the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra, daily havans, cultural performances and evening shows.
Explore the Jyotisar programmeKURUKSHETRA, HARYANA · INDIA
International
Gita
Mahotsav
2026
The land where the Gita was spoken welcomes you.Join us in Kurukshetra for 21 days of devotion, culture and celebration. From Gita Paath and evening aartis to traditional performances, crafts and festivities, there is something here for every generation.
DHARMA · WISDOM · DEVOTION
GITA JAYANTI
20
DECEMBER 2026
AT A GLANCE
Your day at the Mahotsav.
Explore highlights for your selected day, flagship events and the detailed programme.
FLAGSHIP EVENTS
The heart of the International Gita Mahotsav
The signature gatherings of the celebration, from the opening Yatra to Gita Jayanti.
ONLY ON THIS DAY
The day’s programme in detail
Events listed for this date alone. Programmes running across several dates are in the full schedule.
01 / THE SPIRIT OF KURUKSHETRA
Ancient wisdom.
A living celebration.
In the land of the Mahabharata, the timeless message of the Bhagavad Gita comes alive.
Revered as Dharmakshetra, Kurukshetra is the sacred land where Lord Krishna delivered the message of the Gita to Arjuna. For 21 days, saints, scholars, artists, artisans, students and families gather in a celebration of spirituality, culture and human values.
Experience a philosophy of responsible action, self-discipline, balance, devotion and harmonious living through gatherings that connect ancient wisdom with contemporary life.
21
Days of celebration
182
Tirthas across 48 Kos
27,000
Students Participating in Gita Chanting
50+
Indian missions worldwide
THE HEART OF THE CELEBRATION
Brahma Sarovar
Gather by the sacred waters. Discover crafts, culture and devotion.
02 / YOUR GUIDE TO THE CELEBRATION
Find your moment.
Kathas in the morning. Culture through the day.
Aarti by the waters at dusk.
We’ll make a personalised invitation brochure — your guest’s name on the cover and the whole programme inside — ready to download and send.
Programme information is taken from the visitor guide. Where timings differ within the guide, both are noted below the event. Confirm these details with the organisers before travelling.
20
DECEMBER
2026
2026
THE CENTRAL CELEBRATION
A day of devotion.
A thousand lights.
Gita Jayanti
10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Global Gita Chanting
Approximately 27,000 students · Keshav Park
3:00 PM
Gita Shobha Yatra
Commences from Jairam Ashram
5:00 / 5:30 PM · CONFIRM TIME
Deep Utsav & Deep Daan
Sannihit Sarovar · Brahma Sarovar · Jyotisar
6:00 PM · GITA JAYANTI LISTING
Sandhya Aarti
Purushottampura Bagh · The daily listing gives 5:30 PM; confirm the 20 December timing.
03 / MANY WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE MAHOTSAV
Follow your curiosity.
From the sacred landscape of Jyotisar
to the colour and craft of India.
MUSIC, MOVEMENT & TRADITION
Culture on every stage
Krishna- and Mahabharata-themed performances, folk traditions, and the Haryana, Delhi and West Bengal pavilions.
IDEAS THAT OPEN WORLDS
Exhibitions & learning
Science, defence, heritage, philosophy and social harmony come together in spaces for every generation.
Discover the exhibitionsCRAFT BAZAARS · BOOKS · REGIONAL CUISINE
Meet the hands.
Hear the stories.
Discover artisans from across India and beyond, including national and state award-winning makers. Pair your visit with regional cuisine at the craft fair.
5–25 DEC
National Craft Bazaar
Brahma Sarovar · Artisans from across India
14–25 DEC
International Craft Bazaar
Approximately 50 shops · Artisans from 15+ countries · Purushottampura Bagh, in front of the chariot
14–25 DEC
Gita Book Fair
Gita books and publications · Hall near Gate 8, Brahma Sarovar
EXHIBITIONS & KNOWLEDGE SPACES
A wider world
of discovery.
Allow dedicated time for the exhibition zone alongside your cultural and spiritual programme.
01
ISRO Exhibition
India’s achievements in space and science
02
Indian Navy & Indian Air Force
Exhibitions from the two services
03
West Bengal & Delhi
Cultural exhibitions from partner states
04
Haryana Government Departments
Departmental exhibitions
05
Kurukshetra Development Board
The Bhagavad Gita and the 48 Kos pilgrimage region
06
Samajik Samrasta
Social harmony, presented by social organisations
AT JYOTISAR
Stay for the evening.
Spiritual gatherings, the Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra and performances bring the sacred landscape to life.
10–20 DEC · 2:00–4:00 PM
Special Activities
14–20 DEC · 9:00 AM
Daily Havan
14–20 DEC · 3:00–5:00 PM
Open-Air Cultural Performances
Mahabharata Anubhav Kendra
5–25 DEC · 6:30 PM
Light and Sound Show on Water
5–25 DEC · 7:00 PM
3D Show on Virat Swaroop
04 / MAKE THE CELEBRATION YOUR OWN
Plan your visit.
Choose what brings you here.
Find the days that speak to you.
Coming with family or friends? Send them a personalised invitation brochure — their name on the cover and the whole programme inside.
When are the key visitor windows?
Spiritual and continuing programmes run from 5 to 25 December. Major cultural and public celebrations take place from 14 to 25 December, with main-stage performances from 14 to 20 December. The International Gita Conference is on 14–16 December, the Dev Sthanam Sammelan on 18–19 December and Gita Jayanti on 20 December. The Gita Sadbhavana Yatra precedes the main celebration on 4 December.
Which venues should I look for?
Brahma Sarovar and Purushottampura Bagh host many public events. Other key locations include Jyotisar, Keshav Park, Sannihit Sarovar, Gita Gyan Sansthanam, Jairam Ashram and Kurukshetra University Auditorium. Check each event listing for its venue.
What should I confirm before travelling?
Confirm final timings and venue arrangements with the organisers. The guide lists different times for Deep Utsav, the Gita Jayanti aarti and the conference opening; these are flagged in the programme. Ticketing, accommodation, transport and accessibility arrangements are not specified in the supplied visitor guide.
05 / A CELEBRATION WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
Rooted in Kurukshetra.
Shared with the world.
143
Blocks of Haryana
One-day programmes at designated temples in each area, as scheduled.
182
Tirthas of 48 Kos
Celebrations across the pilgrimage region, 10–20 December.
50+
Indian missions
International programmes during the Mahotsav may include seminars, chanting, havans, exhibitions and cultural programmes.
Across Haryana District-level programmes take place from 18 to 20 December at district headquarters.
In schools Haryana government schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas participate through chanting, exhibitions, recitation and competitions, with havans and cultural programmes also listed for Haryana government schools.
