The artists and artisans of national and international repute will participate in the International Crafts and Saras Mela to be organised as a part of International Gita Mahotsav-2018 from December 7 to 23 in Kurukshetra.
“This year, Mauritius would be the partner country and Gujarat would be the partner state in the celebrations of the festive. The Mahotsav is an annual event which is organized every year in collaboration with Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) in Kurukshetra,” said an official spokesman.
He said that the programme of Gita Jayanti started in the year 1989.
He said that the main events would be organized from December 13 to December 18.
The major attractions included International Gita Seminar from December 13-15, Sant Sammelan would be organised on December 16 in which renowned saints from country and abroad would participate, the complete recital of Srimad Bhagwad Gita by devotees would be organised on December 17, cultural programmes from December 13-18, light and sound show in evening at Brahma Sarovar from December 13-18, Ashtadash Shloki Gita to be recited by 18,000 students, Global Gita chanting on December 18 and Maha Aarti to be held every evening at 6 pm from December 7-28 at Brahma Sarovar and Grand Maha Aarti and Deepdan to be held on December 18, said the spokesman.
He further said that the cultural programmes by Indian and foreign artists would be organised from December 13-18. The festival would witness the performance by actress Gracy Singh, Sufi singer Satinder Sartaj and internationally acclaimed singer Hemant Brijwasi, he added.
The spokesman said that wall painting competition would be held on December 8-9, exhibitions by Spiritual, Cultural, Educational, and Social organizations, rangoli, painters camp and Photography competition, Gita Book Fair and exhibition on development and progress of Haryana would be organised from December 13-18 and state level competitions on Gita Shaloka recital, Gita quiz, Gita declamation and essay writing from December 13-15. Apart from this, Haryana Pavilion would be set up showcasing the culture of Haryana, he added.
This year, the national BJP President Amit Shah would be the chief guest on inaugural programme on December 13 while External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and former President Pranab Mukherjee would remain present on December 18.