Gita Jayanti: the day of the Bhagavad Gita
Gita Jayanti — Bhagavad Gita Day — celebrates the day on which, according to tradition, Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
When is Gita Jayanti?
Gita Jayanti falls on Mokshada Ekadashi, the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Ekadashi) of the month of Margashirsha in the Hindu lunar calendar. This usually falls in late November or December. Because it follows the lunar calendar, the date changes every year — check a panchang for the current year.
How it is celebrated
- At Kurukshetra: the International Gita Mahotsav is held around Gita Jayanti, with recitations, discourses and cultural programmes near Brahma Sarovar.
- In temples and homes: people recite chapters or the entire Gita, often in groups, and many observe the Ekadashi fast.
- In schools and communities: recitation competitions, talks and readings of favourite verses.
A simple way to mark Gita Jayanti this year
You do not need a ritual to honour the Gita. Pick one verse — perhaps the most famous one below — read it slowly, and practise it for a day.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
You have a right to your actions, but never to their fruits. Do not let the results be your motive, and do not be attached to inaction.
हिंदी अर्थ: तुम्हारा अधिकार केवल कर्म करने में है, उसके फल में कभी नहीं। इसलिए फल की इच्छा को कर्म का कारण मत बनाओ, और कर्म न करने में भी आसक्ति मत रखो।
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Frequently asked questions
What is Gita Jayanti?
Gita Jayanti is the day celebrated as the anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita being spoken by Krishna to Arjuna at Kurukshetra.
Which day is Gita Jayanti?
It falls on Mokshada Ekadashi — Shukla Ekadashi of Margashirsha — usually in late November or December. The exact date changes each year with the lunar calendar.
How do people celebrate Gita Jayanti?
By reciting the Gita, attending discourses, fasting on Ekadashi, and at Kurukshetra through the International Gita Mahotsav.