Chandigarh, November 19 – The International Gita Mahotsav (IGM)-2022 took off to a grand start today after Haryana Chief Minister inaugurated Saras Mela in Kurukshetra.
Addressing devotees the chief minister said that it was a historic occasion for the entire Haryana and the people who have come here to attend this grand festival. Never before has such a wonderful and grand opening of the Saras Mela taken place.
The chief minister later also met the artists and craftsmen amidst a wonderful confluence of dhol-nagadas, craftsmen and artists. He congratulated and extended best wishes to the people involved in the organising of this event.
Thereafter, the Chief Minister offered flowers on the replica of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita placed there and inaugurated the IGM-2022 by lighting the traditional lamp.
"Thousands of years ago, on the land of Kurukshetra, Lord Shri Krishna delivered an immortal message for humanity which is enshrined the holy Bhagavad Gita. The message and teachings preached by Lord Krishna still hold the same relevance as they did then. The message of Gita will be remembered for ages," said Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister said that celebrations of IGM-2022 are not limited to Kurukshetra only but this holy grand festival of Gita has been successfully celebrated at the international level also. Today it again this holy festival has begun with the inauguration of Saras Mela.
Devotees from all spheres to attend IGM-2022
The Chief Minister said that devotees from all over the country and abroad will attend IGM-2022. It is expected that in the post- COVID-19 pandemic times, devotees will be reaching in large numbers.
Along with this, artists, craftsmen, artisans and self-help groups from different provinces have reached the IGM-2022 to display their skills and products.
The Chief Minister said that this time a separate stall has been set up for the handicraft makers of Haryana, which has become a centre of attraction for foreign tourists. Such initiatives certainly provide employment to the local people along with giving a golden opportunity for the tourists to become familiar with Haryana's culture. Foreign tourists from 25 countries are expected to visit the IGM-2022.
Passengers of Haryana Roadways to pay 50 percent fare only
The chief minister said that the passengers from 10 districts, travelling to IGM-2022 will get a 50 per cent concession in state transport buses from November 19 to December 6. People coming from Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Jind, Kaithal, Panchkula, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Sonipat and Rohtak districts have been provided concession in bus fare on reaching Kurukshetra, he informed.
President to inaugurate IGM-2022 on November 29
The Chief Minister said that the main programme of IGM-2022 will formally begin on November 29 after the inauguration by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
He said that the President will be inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of many projects of the state. The IGM-2022 will continue till December 4, while the Saras Mela will end on December 6.
More than 600 shops set up in Saras Mela
The Chief Minister said that IGM-2022 is giving a glimpse of Saras Mela. More than 600 shops have been set up here. In these, shops displaying the creativity of 250 artisans, members of more than 100 self-help groups and others have been set up.
The extraordinary skills of craftsmen from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Gujarat to Assam can be seen in this Mela. IGM-2022 will certainly give us a glimpse of Mini India, added Sh. Manohar Lal.
MLA Thanesar, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Member Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, Honorary Secretary, Kurukshetra Development Board, Sh. Madan Mohan Chhabra, other senior officers and dignitaries also remained present on the occasion.