Kolkata: Lakhs of people gathered in Kolkata on Sunday for a large-scale recital of the Bhagavad Gita, drawing political leaders, religious figures and devotees to a day of prayer and calls for unity among Hindus. Organisers said the event, held at a major public ground, aimed to promote spiritual reflection and reinforce cultural bonds across communities.
Speakers at the gathering included senior BJP leaders and prominent monks, who urged attendees to uphold the moral teachings of the Gita and to work together for social harmony and community welfare. Addressing the crowd, one leader emphasised the need for solidarity in the face of social challenges and called for constructive engagement on issues affecting Hindu communities.
Religious figures framed the recital as a devotional exercise rather than a political rally, stressing the Gita’s message of duty, compassion and ethical conduct. Monks who led portions of the recitation highlighted themes of selfless service and inner discipline, asking participants to translate spiritual teachings into everyday acts of kindness and civic responsibility.
Organisers reported a peaceful atmosphere throughout the event, with cultural programmes and devotional music accompanying the readings. Volunteers managed crowd movement and distribution of prasad, while local authorities maintained a visible security presence to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow around the venue.
Several attendees said they came to the recital seeking spiritual solace and a sense of community. “We are here to listen, reflect and pray together,” said one devotee, adding that the gathering offered a rare opportunity for large-scale devotional engagement in the city.
Civic groups and some community leaders welcomed the emphasis on cultural values but urged organisers and political figures to ensure that such events remain inclusive and focused on social welfare. Observers noted that while the gathering underscored the Gita’s continuing resonance, its scale and the presence of political leaders also raised questions about the intersection of religion and public life.
As the event concluded, organisers said they hoped the recital would inspire ongoing community initiatives and dialogue rooted in the Gita’s teachings, and that future programmes would continue to prioritise service, education and inter-community respect.
