Kolkata’s iconic Brigade Parade Ground on Sunday witnessed lakhs of people, including Governor C V Ananda Bose, BJP leaders, as well as sadhus and sadhvis from across West Bengal, reciting the Bhagavad Gita at an event organised by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad to highlight the state’s “spiritual heritage and build social harmony”.
“Bhagavad Gita holds immense importance, and its outreach spans spiritual, philosophical, and cultural spheres.
Gita is referred to as the ‘Song of God’ and percolates to each and every aspect of our lives. We draw motivation, inspiration and guidance from Shrimad Bhagavad Gita for selfless action in discharging our duties towards our society and the motherland. Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a timeless guide for living with purpose and finding meaning in our existence,” Bose said on the occasion.
Prominent among the BJP faces present at the event, titled Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path (Gita recitation by five lakh voices), were Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari; state president Shamik Bhattacharya, MPs Sukanta Majumdar and Locket Chatterjee, former MPs Dilip Ghosh and Rupa Ganguly, and veteran leader Rahul Sinha.
Religious figures in attendance included Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj, popularly known as Kartik Maharaj; Dhirendra Shastri; and Sadhvi Ritambhara.
Former MP Dilip Ghosh dared the ruling Trinamool Congress to hold a Gita recitation programme. “Five thousand years ago, God revealed the teachings of the Gita, and its study has continued since then. In Bengal, the Hindu community feels threatened, which is why collective Gita recitations have been organised over the past three years. Anyone can organise such recitations. If they (the TMC) have the courage, let them also host a recitation. There is nothing political in this,” he said.
BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar told reporters that the event had brought together all Hindus. “West Bengal was created for Hindus only. Otherwise, what was the need for the division? It could have remained East Pakistan. Some are saying that 90 seats are there and everyone can stay, but Bengal was made for the Hindus. If today Hindus have become outsiders, then it is something to worry about,” he said.
Sadhvi Ritambhara said, “When five lakh people come together, our collective strength is visible. Unity reinforces the power of dharma. The Gita teaches us to stand firm in any situation and to control our inner enemies like desires, anger, ego, and attachments, which weaken us. Socially, it helps break barriers and unite us all, making this collective recitation very auspicious.”
Kartik Maharaj said in his address, “In a climate of division, spiritual practice can restore calm and direction.”
Bhagavad Gita brought to stage on chariot
The Bhagavad Gita was brought to the main stage on a chariot by sadhus before the recitations started. Many sadhus were seen spraying Ganga water on the participants before the recitation began. While many sadhus were seen reciting the Gita, others were seen blowing conches. Many of the participants were seen dancing to the beats of the drums. Participants also waved the national flag and saffron flags.
Shamik Bhattacharya told the media that it was normal that Gita would be recited on the soil of Lord Krishna. “If that is being dragged into a controversy, that shows the current scenario of Bengal,” he added.
TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh hit out at the Opposition party. “This has been organised by the BJP. They are trying to polarise people on the basis of religion. They had done this by building the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, and they had lost the election there.”
Speaking to the media, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee questioned the BJP’s claims. “The BJP will never see 5 lakh people in Bengal. They are just saying whatever they want,” he said.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “Anyone can build a mosque. Anyone can hold a Gita recitation. But it should not stop there. The people of Bengal have many more things to say. That should not be lost. Bengal is already lagging behind other states. The needs of the people of this state should not be forgotten.“
BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul said the Gita was not for Hindus alone. “It is there for all 140 crore people in India,” she said.
Many of the participants spent the previous night at the Brigade Parade Ground, while many from Kharagpur, Hasnabad, Naihati, and other districts were seen coming to the ground early in the morning.
According to organisers, all participants were given a copy of the Bhagavad Gita along with water and snacks.