Haryana government today chalked out a detailed programme for the five-day Gita festival to be held at Kurukshetra in the state from December 6.
The arrangements for the "Kurukshetra Mahotsava Gita Jayanti Samaroh" were reviewed at a meeting of senior officers presided by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar here today, an official spokesperson said.
574 people from different districts of the country will attend the event. The delegate count is equal to the number of Shlokas (verses) delivered by Lord Krishna in the Bhagvad Gita, the spokesperson said quoting the Chief Minister.
Khattar said each member would adopt and display a Shloka during their journey to the venue of the festival.
During their journey, they will disseminate the teachings of the sacred Bhagvad Gita among the people.
"This would encourage participation of people from across the country in the festival," he added.
He said that to further encourage participation from other states, Gita Shloka recital, declamation and quiz competitions would be organised in all states and the winners would be invited to the programme at Kurukshetra for the final rounds of these events.
He also directed the officers concerned to organise one-day Gita Jayanti programmes at block level to ensure participation of people, and three-day programmes at district level between December 1 and 5.
The Chief Minister directed the officers to ensure beautification and cleanliness of the city before the programme and instructed them to make adequate arrangements for transportation.
Prominent personalities associated with the Bhagvad Gita from across the globe, members of the Indian Diaspora and other scholars would be invited to participate in this festival.
When every person in the world would be cultured, then
the state and the country would forge ahead on the path of success. The state government has provided all possible facilities to the Sansthanam, the Governor said.
Gita Manishi, Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj, also gave detailed information about the proposed Sansthanam.
The Governor and Chief Minister inspected the model of Krishna Circuit, which would be developed at a cost of Rs 97.35 crore under 'Swadesh Darshan Yoja
Khattar said out of the total budget, Rs 38.64 crore would be spent on Brahma Sarovar for construction of water-based theme based on the Mahabharata, world-class multi-media laser show, beautification of all sides of the Brahma Sarovar, lighting and parking.
Apart from this, Rs 1.20 crore out of this budget would be spent on Multipurpose Tourist Information Centre, he informed.
He said that under the Krishna Circuit project, Rs 31.08 crore would be spent on development of Jyotisar Tirath. Under this, landscaping and beautification of the Tirath would be carried out.
To facilitate tourists, tirath entrance gate, canteen, parking, bathrooms, toilets and another such facilities would be constructed.
Apart from this, information pertaining to the Mahabharata, history of river Saraswati, civilisations and tourist destinations flourishing along the banks of river Saraswati, and places of pilgrimage in 48 kos would be provided.
The Chief Minister said that Rs 6.50 crore would be spent on beautification of Sannihit Sarovar, apart from, arrangements for lighting, parking, canteen, water treatment project and sanitation. A tourist assistance centre would also be established at a cost of Rs 1.23 crore, he added.
Khattar said that about Rs two crore would be spent for re-construction and beautification of 'Baan Ganga' at Narkatari, apart from construction of toilets and canteen and arrangements for cleanliness, parking and lighting.
Later, the Governor and Chief Minister went around the exhibition organised by Sarawati Heritage Development Board and viewed the model of Saraswati project.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the International Seminar on Shrimad Bhagwad Gita: Holistic Life Management and World Heritage Tourism, Solanki said, "the 21st century belongs to India, the whole world is looking at our country and India has high hopes from Haryana."
He said that a fresh wave of energy was sweeping the country, and India had begun to take a positive turn.
Referring to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor said he took the people of the country as his high command.
