Thousands Join “Deep Daan” Ceremony as Weekend Crowd Peaks at International Gita Mahotsav

Nov 22, 2025 | Haryana

The spiritual heart of Haryana, Kurukshetra, shimmered with gold tonight as the IGM 2025 hosted its signature “Deep Daan” ceremony, turning the weekend rush into a moment of collective divinity.

  • The Ceremony of Lights: As the sun set over the holy Sarovar, thousands of pilgrims and tourists lined the ghats. With the chanting of Vedic hymns and the sounding of conches, devotees released traditional oil lamps onto the water. “Deep Daan is not just a ritual; it’s a prayer for global peace and the light of knowledge to guide humanity,” remarked a senior priest at the Brahma Sarovar.

  • The Weekend Surge: Capitalizing on the Saturday holiday, visitors from Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh joined the local Haryanvi crowds. The administrative teams estimated that the footfall rivaled the record set on the previous day, with over 1.2 lakh people visiting the venue between sunrise and the evening Aarti.

  • Security & Lighting: To ensure safety during the Deep Daan, the SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) and water police were stationed in boats across the Sarovar. The entire periphery of the 1,500-meter-long Sarovar was illuminated with high-intensity floodlights, complemented by the soft glow of the floating diyas.

  • Economic Activity: The Saras Mela and the Food Court remained the centers of attraction. Artisans reported that the high footfall led to the rapid depletion of stock, particularly for handcrafted home decor and winter clothing. The partner state, Madhya Pradesh, held a special folk dance performance on the main stage, further enchanting the weekend visitors.

Community Sentiment

“We traveled from Chandigarh specifically for the Deep Daan. Seeing the entire Sarovar lit up with floating lamps is an experience that words can’t describe. Despite the massive crowd, the organization was so disciplined that you could still feel the spiritual calmness. It’s a sight my family will remember forever,” said a visitor at the ghat.