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Thousands Unite for Gītā Utsav 2025 in Texas, Celebrating 10 Years of the Global Bhagavad Gītā Memorization Movement

This is the largest ever event in the United States dedicated to celebrating the teachings of the Bhagavad Gītā.

by T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman
0 comments 6 minutes read

The SGS Gītā Foundation, in collaboration with Karya Siddhi Hanuman Temple, Frisco, and Yoga Sangeeta, hosted the Sampoorna Parayana of the Srimad Bhagavad Gītā on July 12, 2025, at the CUTX Event Center in Allen, Texas, as part of the Gītā Utsav 2025 celebrations.

His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji, founding pontiff of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, Mysore, India, affectionately known as Sri Swamiji, envisioned the “Gītā Mahāyajña program to empower children, youth & adults with the life transforming teachings from the Bhagavad Gītā. His vision gave birth to the SGS Gita Foundation to conduct Gītā Mahāyajña program.”

PHOTO: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

A day prior, on July 11, as part of the Gita Utsav, Sri Swamiji blessed his devotees with “Srinivasa Raga Sagara” a Music for Meditation and Healing Concert. The special concert featured special guest Padma Vibhushan Dr. L. Subramaniam and Sri Swamiji’s Celestial Message Troupe, creating an immersive meditative experience for attendees. Proceeds from the concert benefited the SGS Vagdevi Centre, a globally respected institution that empowers individuals with hearing impairments and communication disorders through early intervention and inclusive education, according to the organizers. In addition, Bhagavata Saptaha, a week-long discourse on the divine Srimad Bhagavad Gita in Telugu was conducted by Sri Swamiji.

The Gītā Utsav 2025 marked a historic milestone as the largest Bhagavad Gītā-centered gathering in U.S. history. More than 500 memorizers and 500 fluent readers from the 2025 graduating batch of the Gītā Mahā Yajña program joined thousands of alumni to recite the Gītā in unison, filling the auditorium with spiritual energy and devotion.

PHOTO: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

This year also commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Gītā Mahā Yajña program, envisioned in 2015 by Sri Swamiji. What began with a handful of memorizers has now grown into a global movement: over 7,000 have memorized the Gītā in full, and more than 10,000 are fluent readers worldwide.

The organizers explained that participants typically memorize the entire Bhagavad Gītā in just 10 months. Among those who completed the program, around 3,000 memorizers are under 10 years old, and about 2,000 are working professionals who balanced their careers with intense Gītā study. The initiative spans 14+ countries, supported by 500 trained volunteer teachers. In the United States alone, there are 30 teaching centers and 250 volunteers. The youngest 2025 graduate was just 3 years old, and the oldest, 85 years old.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a congratulatory message, recognized the cultural and spiritual significance of the event, noted, “From the Gulf Coast to the High Plains, many Hindu Texans live out their faith each day. Hinduism is also marked by a vibrant culture that inspires people from all backgrounds,” adding “As you gather to honor your faith traditions through meditation, memorization and recitation, I join our fellow Texans in celebrating our diverse culture and reflecting upon the values we share.”

During the program, Sri Swamiji addressed the audience, emphasizing the momentous nature of the occasion. “Today marks a significant milestone for students, the audience, and the larger Sanatani community. This is the tenth year since we witnessed the first Sampoorna Bhagavad Gita Parayana. In this decade, this has become a truly global movement with over 17,000 students.” 

PHOTO: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

He acknowledged the dedication of participants from all age groups who devoted themselves to learning the Bhagavad Gītā, calling it the greatest treasure of “Sanatana Dharma.” Reflecting on the recitation, Sri Swamiji shared, “I witnessed Sri Krishna glowing in every face. The Bhagavad Gita guides us on our journey of self-realization, distinguishing true, eternal happiness from fleeting, momentary pleasure.”

He conveyed that, with the blessings of Sri Krishna, Lord Dattatreya, and Gītā Mātā, the lives of these students were now enriched with bliss, joy, and prosperity. He praised the unwavering commitment of volunteers, Maha Yajña families, and the Gita Utsav event team, whose service reflected the teachings of the Gītā. 

Looking ahead, Sri Swamiji shared an ambitious vision. “Soon, we shall expand this into an event, Laksha Gala Gita Parayana, a gathering of 100,000 people chanting the Bhagavad Gita together in one single place.” To support this, the SGS Gita Foundation will begin training 100,000 students worldwide.

PHOTO: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

He explained that chanting the full Gītā carries the spiritual merit of a Vajapeya Yajna, benefiting not only the chanters but even those who listen.

“By repeating the sacred words of the Lord and absorbing His teachings, everyone present became like Arjuna… the Lord Himself comes to guide,” Sri Swamiji said, reinforcing the timeless relevance of spiritual education.

In a moment of light-hearted reflection, Sri Swamiji remarked on Dallas’s spiritual resonance. He imagined a time during Pangea when perhaps, “Lord Krishna once walked these lands as a cowboy, speaking Texan, wearing a hat, and riding a horse.”

PHOTO: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

“It feels miraculous that on this distant continent, devotees could chant the Bhagavad Gita together—even when pronunciation seemed challenging. Yet, by Datta’s grace, the children recited flawlessly,” Sri Swamiji added. “Lord Krishna, ever playing his divine flute, showered his blessings; and the gentle rain outside was like angels offering flowers…”  

Sri Swamiji recognized the contributions of teachers, food service teams, cleaning staff, and managers, comparing their precise coordination to a perfectly designed film set. Distributing certificates and medals to graduates, he said.

PHOTO: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

“You have given your word to Swamiji; this made Swamiji feel deeply happy and proud.”

He also urged all those present including graduates, alumni, and devotees to chant at least one chapter of the Gītā daily, a request to which the entire hall responded with collective affirmation. He offered a loving message to young memorizers, encouraging them to listen to their parents, study well, and limit screen time, while enjoying their childhood responsibly.

He extended special gratitude to Gītā Coordinator Srikanth Challa and the teaching staff for their unwavering commitment.

PHOTO: Avadhoota Datta Peetham

Sri Swamiji also mentioned about the Golden Jubilee of his first U.S. visit in 1976, which will be celebrated in 2026. He encouraged all to participate and explore his life’s teachings and history for deeper spiritual connection.

Referring to Frisco Agraharam as “Little India” and comparing Dallas to Tirupati, Sri Swamiji also acknowledged the region’s rising spiritual prominence.

With over 100 Ashramas and temples established globally, Sri Swamiji continues to be celebrated for his healing music concerts, over 350 performed at prestigious venues around the world, and for his contributions to Datta Kriya Yoga and meditation music.

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