Gita Jayanti is a sacred festival that commemorates the day when Lord Krishna recited the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This divine discourse, which forms part of the epic Mahabharata, is considered one of the most important spiritual texts in Hinduism. Gita Jayanti falls on Mokshada Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day (Ekadashi) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Margashirsha (November-December).

The Bhagavad Gita, meaning 'The Song of the Divine', contains 700 verses that provide profound insights into life, duty, righteousness, and the path to spiritual liberation. On Gita Jayanti, devotees celebrate this timeless wisdom by reading the Gita, performing puja, and reflecting on its teachings. The festival is observed with great reverence across India and by Hindus worldwide.

Gita Jayanti is not just a celebration of a historical event, but a reminder of the eternal wisdom that guides us through life's challenges. It emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty (dharma) without attachment to results, understanding the nature of the self, and the path to ultimate liberation (moksha).

Gita Jayanti holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the revelation of divine wisdom. The Bhagavad Gita addresses fundamental questions about life, death, duty, and the purpose of existence. It teaches the paths of Karma Yoga (path of action), Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), providing guidance for people in all walks of life.

The festival is particularly significant because it falls on Mokshada Ekadashi, which means 'Ekadashi that grants liberation'. Observing Ekadashi fast on this day is believed to be especially meritorious. The combination of Ekadashi's spiritual power and the Gita's wisdom makes this day highly auspicious for spiritual practices, meditation, and self-reflection.

Gita Jayanti inspires devotees to study and practice the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in their daily lives. It serves as a reminder that the wisdom of the Gita is not just ancient philosophy but practical guidance for modern living. The festival encourages people to understand their true nature, perform their duties with dedication, and seek spiritual growth.

• Observing Ekadashi fast (vrat) from sunrise to next day sunrise
• Reading or listening to the Bhagavad Gita, especially the entire text or key chapters
• Performing puja of Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita book
• Chanting Gita verses, especially Chapter 15 (Purushottama Yoga) and Chapter 18 (Moksha Yoga)
• Attending Gita recitation programs (Gita Path) in temples or community centers
• Meditating on the teachings of the Gita and reflecting on its relevance to daily life
• Offering prayers to Lord Krishna for wisdom and spiritual guidance
• Participating in discourses and discussions about the Gita's teachings
• Distributing prasad and serving food to others as an act of selfless service
• Engaging in charitable activities and helping those in need

Various items are offered to Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita on Gita Jayanti:

• Flowers, especially yellow flowers like marigold which are dear to Lord Krishna
• Fruits, especially bananas, apples, and seasonal fruits
• Sweets and prasad, especially those made without grains (as it's Ekadashi)
• Tulsi leaves (holy basil) which are sacred to Lord Krishna
• Incense (dhoop) and oil lamp (diya) for lighting
• The Bhagavad Gita book itself, which is worshipped as a sacred text