The temple town of Udupi is buzzing with preparations for the historic Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana — a mass recitation of the Bhagavad Gita by one lakh devotees — scheduled for 28 November at Sri Krishna Math. The event gains added significance with Narendra Modi confirming his participation.

Twofold package: devotion and dedication

The Gita chanting will coincide with the unveiling of sacred adornments at the Matha: a golden covering for the Tirtha Mantapa in front of the sanctum and a golden cover (Kanaka Kavacha) for the revered Kanakana Kindi — the historic window through which saint-poet Kanakadasa is believed to have had a divine vision of Lord Krishna.

According to the organisers, the Gita recitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with hopes of turnout exceeding one lakh. The mass chant aims to offer the Gita’s timeless wisdom in unison to Lord Krishna. Local seer Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji of Puthige Matha described the event as part of the wider month-long festival — the Bruhat Geethotsava 2025 — celebrating India’s spiritual heritage.

PM’s visit: logistics and local arrangements

The confirmed attendance of the Prime Minister has prompted elaborate arrangements. According to administration plans, PM Modi will land at Mangaluru airport and arrive in Udupi by helicopter, reaching the Matha around midday. He is expected to first participate in darshan and temple rituals, followed by the Gita Parayana and inaugurations of the golden coverings.

To manage the expected crowd, local authorities have issued restrictions and traffic diversions. Public entry to the Math premises will be limited until 3 p.m. on 28 November; several shops along the main route will remain closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. A 5-km zone around the Math has been declared a no-drone area, and volunteers will handle crowd control. Lunch has been arranged for about one lakh devotees.

Additionally, a grand roadshow featuring cultural performances of coastal Karnataka — including Yakshagana troupes, traditional dances, and Krishna-themed performances — will precede the temple visit. The roadshow is scheduled to begin at 11:40 a.m. from Narayana Guru Circle to Kalsanka Junction. Some 30,000 people are expected along the route.

Wider vision: Geethotsava and global outreach

The Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana is the culmination of the Bruhat Geethotsava, which began on 8 November and runs through 7 December 2025. The festival — organised by Puthige Matha under Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji’s guidance — aims to revive the teachings of the Gita through recitations, discourses, devotional sessions, and global outreach via the Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna initiative.

Swamiji has called the Gita “India’s message to the world,” stating that through events such as this, the country can reassert its cultural and spiritual heritage globally.

Local anticipation and participation

Devotees and pilgrims from across coastal and Malnad regions — including Karwar, Shivamogga, Hassan and Kasaragod — are expected to converge in Udupi. With the promised participation of the Prime Minister and widespread media attention, local residents and temple authorities anticipate one of the largest congregations in recent memory.

Schools up to high-school level under Udupi Town, Malpe and Manipal police limits have been declared closed for the day to avoid disruption. Authorities have urged the public to co-operate with directives and security protocols.

Conclusion

The Laksha Kantha Gita Parayana at Sri Krishna Math is poised to be a landmark event blending faith, tradition and national significance. With PM Modi’s participation, golden dedications, and the spiritual energy of one lakh chanting voices, Udupi will witness a historic convergence of devotion and culture. As residents prepare for the massive turnout, the town stands at the threshold of a day that promises to resonate far beyond its temple precincts — as a powerful reaffirmation of India’s civilisational heritage and a gesture of spiritual unity.