Celebrating Gita Jayanti

ON MARCH 20, Hindus will come together at Sri Srinivasa Perumal temple in Serangoon Road to celebrate Gita Jayanti from 7am to noon.

Gita Jayanti, which celebrates the birthday of the Bhagavad Gita, is where the full 18 chapters of the Gita are recited.

This year, the celebrations are led by Singapore Sindhi Association in association with other Hindu organisations and temples under the auspices of the Hindu Endowments Board.

About 1,000 people are expected to turn up at the event.

The guest of honour will be Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S. Iswaran.

Gita Jayanti celebrations began in Singapore in 1997, as a one-day event with about 100 devotees chanting the full Gita.

It has now evolved to include various programmes such as the havan (fire prayer), international seminars, essay and art competitions and a cultural show, which caters to people of all ages. These programmes are held throughout the year.

The international Gita forum, which was held on Oct 24 last year, saw eminent scholars discuss the importance of Gita Jayanti.

Said Singapore Sindhi Association president Vashi Khialani: "Gita Jayanti celebrations are unique and very much in tune with Singapore's multicultural approach.

The celebrations unite all the various Hindu temples and organisations together to glorify the Bhagavad Gita.

"It is accepted by all as the most important Hindu teaching of how to live in peace and harmony among diverse social elements and yet be ready to defend our Dharma (righteous way of life) when the need arises."

Get a copy of tabla! for more stories.