The Gita Yagya is one of the most solemn and spiritually significant rituals performed during the International Gita Mahotsav (IGM). It is a powerful embodiment of the scripture’s central philosophical message.

The Meaning and Practice

• Vedic Ritual: The Gita Yagya is a traditional Vedic fire ceremony (Homa or Yajna) where oblations (ahutis) are offered into the sacred fire by priests and devotees. This fire ceremony is believed to purify the environment and invoke divine blessings for peace and prosperity.

• Central Role of the Gita: The unique aspect of the ritual is the integration of the Bhagavad Gita’s verses. The Yagya is often performed while chanting the entire 700 verses (shlokas) or significant portions of the scripture. This act is seen as a way of offering the wisdom of the Gita itself back to the divine.

• Philosophical Significance: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna expands the definition of Yagya beyond a mere fire sacrifice to encompass all actions (Karma) performed selflessly for the welfare of others or as an offering to God. The physical Yagya performed at the Mahotsav symbolically reinforces this concept of selfless action (Karma Yoga).

• Inauguration and Conclusion: The Gita Yagya often marks the formal inauguration of the core programs of the Mahotsav. High-profile dignitaries, such as the President of India (as seen in the 2022 event), formally launch the main festivities after participating in the Yagya. It is also listed as a key event on the final day (Gita Jayanti) of the main week-long celebration.

• Location: The main Yagya ceremony takes place at a designated sacred spot, either on the banks of the Brahma Sarovar or at the nearby Jyotisar Tirth, the exact location where Lord Krishna delivered the sermon.

For the IGM 2025, the final day events on December 1, 2025, were scheduled to prominently feature the Gita Yagya, alongside the mass recitation and Bhagvat Katha, signifying the ultimate offering and devotion to the timeless wisdom of the Gita.