12 states participate in global Gita fest

KURUKSHETRA: A cultural fiesta, International Gita Mahotsav 2016, is on with participants from different states performing at different stages along with stalls and enclosures showcasing the richness and diversity of handicrafts, handlooms and cultural heritage of the country.
The 11 day festival jointly hosted by ministry of culture and tourism, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Haryana Tourism Corporation Limited, North Zone Cultural Centre and Kurukshetra Development Board.This time 12 states are participating in the celebration of Gita Jayanti happening at a global level for the first time.
The main focus would be the recitation of “Ashtadash Shloki Gita“ by as many as 18,000 students at one go on the banks of Brahmasarovar on December 10. Simultaneously , a global chanting of these 18 shlokas throughout the globe has been planned at the same time.
Many renowned national and state folk artists and cultural groups present performances at the ghats on the banks of Brahmasarovar. Food courts have also been set up that are providing cuisines from all over the country , especially Haryanvi cuisines like Gohana's famous Jalebi which weighs about 250gm per piece. On one side of the sarovar is the Saras Mela and on the other side is the Crafts Mela. On the western and northern sides, social, religious and voluntary organizations have set up exhibitions and book fairs. Erikshaws have been provided by the administration for the old and physically challenged visitors.
Gita Jayanti Express train from Kurukshetra to Mathura will be flagged off by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and railway minister Suresh Prabhu on December 6.
Even Paytm and swipe machines have been provided at the stall counters for ease, but high prices are disappointing most of them. Pooja Devi, a resident of Ratgal Kurukshetra said, “This year, mela is very interesting and at a bigger level but the prices are very high. In fact, they are selling things on prices more than the MRP .“ Another visitor, Monika Rana who had come from Hisar, said, “I would prefer to do window shopping as the prices are very high.“