On 7th December 2025, Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground is set to witness a historic and spiritually significant gathering: Bageswar Dham Baba, also known as Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, will grace the occasion, as 5 lakh Hindus (half a million) come together to recite the Bhagavad Gita in unison. Organized under the banner of Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, this massive event is being hailed as one of the world’s largest collective recitations of the Gita — a powerful symbol of spiritual unity, cultural pride, and religious revival.
The Vision Behind the Gathering
The event’s organizers have made it clear that their goal transcends mere ritual; they envision this as a movement of unity, peace, and the reaffirmation of Sanatan (eternal) Hindu values. As Swami Gyanananda Maharaj, one of the key spiritual leaders, put it, “the Gita is not confined to any particular caste, creed or region — it is a universal guide for humanity.”
Hindusthan Samachar
By bringing together such a massive number of people to chant the Gita, the organizers hope to reinforce moral and ethical values, especially among the youth, who face growing challenges of identity and mental stress in today’s fast-changing world. The recitation is also being framed as a reaffirmation of Bengal’s own rich spiritual tradition — a proud continuation of devotional practices in a state known for its cultural depth.
Who Is Bageswar Dham Baba?
Bageswar Dham Baba, or Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, is a well-known spiritual preacher from Bageshwar Dham. His participation in this event gives it both religious weight and mass appeal. According to reports, he has given his consent to join the “Panch Lakh Kanthe Geeta Path Mahotsav”.
Struggle for Hindu Existence
His presence is being seen as a unifying force: someone who can draw not only devout Hindus but also people interested in spiritual values, self-realization, and social harmony. Organizers, moreover, insist that the event is apolitical, aiming purely for spiritual upliftment and solidarity among the Hindu community.
Scale and Significance
The scale of this event is truly remarkable. Half a million people chanting the Gita together is not just a devotional act but a massive collective affirmation of faith. According to the organizers, there will be no formal registration — participants are welcome freely, signaling that this is more a spiritual movement than a closed religious conference.
Hindusthan Samachar
In order to maintain a sense of unity and cohesion, a uniform dress code has been suggested: men in traditional dhoti-panjabi, women in sarees with red borders, and many women will carry shankh (conch shells) — powerful symbols in Hindu worship.
Hindusthan Samachar
The visual of five lakh devotees, dressed in harmony and chanting sacred verses, is expected to be deeply stirring.
The Timing: Religion, Culture, and Politics
The timing of this gathering is not accidental. Scheduled just ahead of West Bengal’s legislature elections, critics and observers alike are speculating whether the event could be leveraged for political influence.
TV9 Bangla
Indeed, the announcement of the event came from Suvendu Adhikari, a prominent political figure, who has publicly supported the “five lakh Gita chanting” event.
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However, the spiritual leaders associated with the event have pushed back on that narrative, emphasizing its purely religious and cultural purpose. As Swami Karthik Maharaj (of the Bharat Sevashram Sangh / Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad) has stated, “this is not about politics, but about reaffirming Sanatan values and strengthening social cohesion.
Spiritual and Social Impact
The collective Gita recitation has multiple layers of impact:
Spiritual Awakening: For many participants, the recitation is a deeply personal and transformative experience. Chanting the Bhagavad Gita together is more than a ritual — it is an exercise in inner discipline, reflection, and shared faith.
Community Building: The act of coming together in such large numbers helps build a sense of shared identity. Participants from various districts of Bengal and possibly from other states are expected to join.
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The event is also a way to bring together diverse Hindu communities in West Bengal, inspiring unity and solidarity.
Cultural Revival: In recent years, traditional Hindu practices have seen renewed attention, particularly among youth. This grand recital seeks to embed the teachings of the Gita — which deals with duty, righteousness (dharma), detachment, and selfless action — more deeply into modern life.
Global Message: Swami Gyanananda has emphasized that the Gita’s teachings are universal.
Hindusthan Samachar
This gathering, while rooted in Hindu tradition, is also being projected as a spiritual statement to the world: that ancient wisdom still has relevance, and that large-scale spiritual unity is possible.
Challenges and Criticism
No large-scale religious event is without its challenges. Some commentators have raised questions:
Political Overtones: As mentioned, the proximity to state elections has raised suspicion that the event could be politically motivated.
TV9 Bangla
The organizers deny any political agenda, but the involvement of political figures remains a point of debate.
Logistics and Security: Hosting half a million people at Brigade Parade Ground is no small feat. Ensuring safety, sound systems for recitation, crowd management, and sanitary facilities will be critical.
Inclusivity: While the event is framed as open to all, there will naturally be questions about how inclusive it really is. Will people from all socio-economic backgrounds be able to participate? Will there be space for non-Hindu spiritual seekers who still revere the Gita’s message?
Sustainability: Is this a one-time show of strength, or part of a more sustained effort to promote Gita study and spiritual living? The long-term impact — whether it leads to local Gita circles, educational initiatives, or charity work — will determine how much more than a symbolic gesture this becomes.
The Promise of Unity
Despite these challenges, the very fact that such an event is being organized signals a strong desire among many Hindus in West Bengal to reclaim and publicly express their spiritual heritage. The Panch Lakh Kanthe Geeta Path Mahotsav is not just about recitation — it’s about rekindling a spiritual flame, forging a collective identity, and bringing the teachings of the Gita into everyday life.
Bhageswar Dham Baba’s presence adds gravitas, while the half-million participants bring sheer magnitude. Together, they aim to create a moment that resonates far beyond the physical space of Brigade Parade Ground.
Conclusion
On 7th December, Kolkata will become a spiritual epicenter, as five lakh voices unite to chant the Bhagavad Gita under the guidance of Bageswar Dham Baba (Dhirendra Krishna Shastri). More than an event, it is a statement — of faith, unity, tradition, and collective purpose.
This gathering could well become a historic milestone in Bengal’s religious and cultural journey, inspiring many to deepen their understanding of the Gita and live by its timeless wisdom. Whether one views it as a devotional spectacle, a cultural revival, or a deeply spiritual pilgrimage, the Gita Path Mahotsav at Brigade promises to be an unforgettable confluence of tradition and aspiration — a testament to the enduring power of sacred verse.
HARE KRISHNA. Main boisonab hoo,, hame 7th december brigade maidan main bhakt ko sewa Dene k liye mera kitchen teem Jana chahata hain hame sewa ka moka dijiye..HARE KRISHNA.
Haan jaroor jaiye
Radhe Radhe…..