Gita Jayanti 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Krishna: Devotees observe the day with fasting and worship, seeking the blessings of Lord Krishna and the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita.
• Seekers of Knowledge and Peace: Students, scholars, and all who seek guidance in life read and reflect upon the Gita on this day, seeking clarity, peace of mind, and Moksha (liberation).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early in the morning, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period before sunrise), and begin the fast.
• Main Puja and Gita Path: Performed in the morning, after the morning bath and before midday. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Evening Aarti: The Gita and Lord Krishna are offered Aarti in the evening after sunset.
• Breaking the Fast: On the following morning, after sunrise, as in all Ekadashi fasts. (Families differ in how strictly the fast is kept.)

About the Festival

Gita Jayanti is a deeply revered observance celebrated across India that marks the day on which Lord Krishna revealed the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It takes place on the Ekadashi (eleventh day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha.

The Vrat Katha (Story of the Bhagavad Gita)

Long ago, on the field of Kurukshetra, two great armies stood facing each other, ready for the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Arjuna, the mighty Pandava archer, rode into the battlefield with Lord Krishna as his charioteer.

When Arjuna saw his teachers, elders, and kinsmen standing in the opposing army, his heart was overcome with grief and confusion. He put down his bow and told Krishna that he could not fight. Lord Krishna, seeing his sorrow, spoke to him with compassion and advised: "You have the right to perform your duty, but not to the fruits of your action. Act without attachment, surrender to the Divine, and do not grieve. The Self is eternal, and dharma must be upheld."

Lord Krishna then revealed the eternal teachings of the Gita, on action, devotion, and knowledge, until Arjuna's doubts were dispelled. He rose, took up his bow with a clear mind, and fulfilled his duty. Since that day, devotees have celebrated this Ekadashi as Gita Jayanti, reading and honouring the Bhagavad Gita for its timeless wisdom.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Holy Book & Image: A copy of the Bhagavad Gita and a picture or idol of Lord Krishna (with Arjuna and the chariot, if available)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan, Roli, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Sacred Water Container: A small Kalash or vessel filled with fresh water, with Ganga Jal if available
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, Panchamrit, and sweets such as Kheer or Halwa
• Devotional Accessories: Fresh Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, and a yellow cloth for the Gita

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably yellow or white).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Krishna, today I observe this Ekadashi fast and read your sacred Gita with devotion. Grant me wisdom, peace, and the strength to follow dharma."
3. Observe the fast throughout the day. Grains are avoided on Ekadashi, and many devotees eat only fruits and milk, while some keep a strict fast.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the eastern side of your room.
2. Place the picture or idol of Lord Krishna on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean yellow cloth.
3. Place the Bhagavad Gita on a clean cloth beside Lord Krishna, and keep a Kalash of water nearby.

Step 3: Performing the Worship

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it in front of Lord Krishna and the Gita.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, and Akshat to the image of Lord Krishna and to the Gita.
3. Offering Flowers & Tulsi: Offer fresh yellow flowers and Tulsi leaves.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer fruits, Panchamrit, and sweets before the deity.

Step 4: Reciting the Gita

1. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Bhagavad Gita, either the whole text or a chapter chosen by your family (the twelfth and fifteenth chapters are widely read).
2. Recite or listen to the story of how the Gita was revealed to Arjuna at Kurukshetra.
3. After the reading, offer a few flower petals at the feet of Lord Krishna and the Gita.

Step 5: Aarti in the Evening

1. In the evening, light the Diya again and perform the Gita Aarti and Krishna Aarti while singing devotional hymns.
2. Chant the name of Lord Krishna, or sing bhajans, with your family.
3. Offer a final round of Tulsi leaves and flowers before the deity.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the sweet prasad among your family members.
3. On the following morning, break your fast after sunrise with prasad and a simple sattvic meal.