Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 30, lauded the unprecedented global embrace of the International Gita Mahotsav calling it a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of the sacred scripture, the Bhagavad Gita. In the 128th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi said the spiritual resonance of the Gita now transcends geography, religion and culture.
PM Modi said that during his recent visit to Kurukshetra, the epicentre of the Mahotsav, he was deeply moved by the fervour and faith of hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered at the historic Brahma Sarovar. “On November 25, when I visited Kurukshetra … the experience at this Anubhav Kendra filled me with joy,” he said, calling the public celebration “very special.” The Mahotsav, which began on November 15 and continues till December 5, has reportedly attracted massive crowds officials expect more than 70 lakh people to attend this year.
Gita Mahotsavs in Saudi Arabia and Latvia are noteworthy efforts, which deepen cultural connect with the Indian diaspora and those passionate about Indian culture and spirituality.#MannKiBaat pic.twitter.com/JIwGa4tSSM
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 30, 2025
But beyond India’s borders is where the Mahotsav’s true transformative power becomes evident. For the first time ever, the Gita was made accessible on a public platform in Saudi Arabia, PM Modi revealed a milestone that, he said, speaks volumes about India’s cultural outreach. He also pointed to the Mahotsav’s presence in parts of Europe, notably in Latvia, as evidence that “people from all over the world are getting inspired by the divine scripture.”
According to a state government spokesperson, Gita Mahotsav celebrations are being held this year in 50 countries a vast expansion supported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The inclusion of Madhya Pradesh as a partner state for 2025 underlines the government’s ambition to broaden the festival’s domestic and international footprint.
PM Modi’s remarks arrive at a time when India is actively promoting its cultural and spiritual heritage on the global stage. By situating the Gita Mahotsav in diverse geographies from sacred ponds in Kurukshetra to public auditoria in the Middle East and Europe the festival is being positioned as an instrument of soft diplomacy, strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora and kindling interest among foreign communities.
In the radio address, PM Modi also urged citizens to participate in the forthcoming Kashi Tamil Sangamam, beginning December 2 at Namo Ghat in Kashi. This year’s theme “Learn Tamil — Tamil Karakalam” spotlights the government’s effort to foster linguistic and cultural exchange across India’s diverse regions.
