Strengthening Cultural Bonds: India and Guyana Unite in a Vibrant Bhagavad Gita Chanting Competition

Georgetown, July 21 (IANS) – A vibrant event showcasing the bond between India and Guyana unfolded recently. The Indian High Commission and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre organized a ‘Srimad Bhagavad Gita’ chanting competition. This special gathering, in partnership with the Chinmaya Mission, brought together various temples and cultural groups.

It was inspiring to see children and young people passionately reciting verses from Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita during the award ceremony. The Indian High Commission expressed its enthusiasm on social media, noting how this reflects the cultural ties between Guyana and India. “We wish our young Guyanese participants all the best as they embrace our shared heritage,” they shared.

The event also featured a display of significant religious sites around Kurukshetra, the location where Lord Krishna delivered the Gita to Arjuna.

As part of this celebration, the High Commission announced the upcoming ‘International Gita Mahotsav’ in Kurukshetra set for November 15 to December 5, 2025. This festival will include various cultural events, highlighting the richness of Indian traditions.

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, established in 1972, is one of the oldest Indian cultural institutions abroad. It offers classes in Indian classical dance, yoga, and music. Many in the Indo-Guyanese community uphold cultural practices passed down since the indenture period.

During a recent two-day visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a heartfelt religious ceremony in Guyana, including a Ram Bhajan at the Promenade Garden. His presence underscored the strong ties within the Indian diaspora and the role of culture in strengthening relations between India and Guyana.

Cultural connections like these not only foster goodwill but also remind us of the shared heritage between nations. As societies become increasingly globalized, such initiatives can play a key role in preserving identity and tradition. In this way, events celebrating cultural unity are more vital than ever.

For further insights, you can explore reports on the impact of cultural exchanges on diplomacy from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and learn how they contribute to fostering international relations.

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India, Guyana, culture, cultural ties, Bhagavad Gita, chanting competition, Georgetown