As part of the International Gita Mahotsav in November 2025 by Government of Haryana, in partnership with the Kurukshetra Development Board, Embassy of India, Bern organized dedicated celebrations of the International Gita Mahotsav in Switzerland at Berne on 18 November 2025.

The event brought together members of the Indian community, representatives of partner institutions, and friends of India, highlighting the spiritual, cultural, and universal relevance of the Bhagavad Gita in an interfaith setting.

The programme opened with addresses by Ambassador Mridul Kumar and Ambassador Johannes Matyassy, President of the House of Religions, both of whom underscored the Gita’s message of harmony, dialogue and shared values. This was followed by a soulful recitation from the 15th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita by Mrs. Rajshree Bramta, and an address by Mr. Jagdish Bramta.

Mr. Georg Streit of the Buddhist Temple shared perspectives on how the Gita’s teachings resonate with Buddhist principles of mindfulness, compassion and inner balance, reinforcing Gita’s timeless and cross-cultural appeal. Guest Speaker Swami Vedanishthananda of the Vedantic Society, Geneva, reflected on the scripture’s universal teachings and their contemporary significance.

The cultural segment showcased India’s artistic heritage through graceful Bharatanatyam performances—Ganesh Vandana and Vanamali Vasudeva Mangalam—presented by students of PDC Gurukul, a local dance school. The spiritual dimension of the programme was further enriched by a traditional aarti led by Ambassador Kumar at the Hindu Temple.

The event concluded with inspiring remarks by Shri Sasikumar Tharmalingam, Chief Priest of the Hindu Temple, and Ms. Laavanya Sinnathurai, followed by a special Aarti at the Hindu temple located in the same premises,  that brought the gathering together in a spirit of devotion and fellowship. 

Overall, the celebration in Berne contributed meaningfully to the global observance of the International Gita Mahotsav by promoting interfaith understanding, strengthening community engagement, and enhancing appreciation of the Bhagavad Gita’s enduring message.