Haridwar: The divine rhythm of the River Ganga’s flow, the golden hue of the sunset, the shimmering light of thousands of lamps, and the sacred chants of the Vedas and various scriptures once again made Har Ki Pauri a witness to India’s unmatched cultural grandeur. The 62nd All India Shastrotsav, organized by the Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, and hosted by Patanjali University, brought together thousands of scholars and devotees for a grand event that globally highlighted India’s rich knowledge traditions.
This was not just a simple spiritual gathering, but a historic moment where scholars and devotees from across the nation came together to chant the scriptures collectively and participate in the Ganga Aarti, setting a world record. The event felt like a direct connection to the meditative practices of ancient Indian sages and seers. As evening descended, the crimson sky, the soft reflection of the sun on the calm waters of the Ganga, and the thousands of devotees gathered at the ghats signaled the arrival of a divine festival.
The first bell of the Aarti rang, and a rhythmic vibration seemed to flow through the river’s water. As the chanting of the Vedas and scriptures began at Har Ki Pauri, it felt as though the entire universe was swaying to the tune of these divine sounds. Chants from the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, verses from the Upanishads, messages from the Bhagavad Gita, and the profound words from the Yoga Sutras created a divine symphony, embodying a seamless blend of spirituality, philosophy, and devotion.
After the recital of the scriptures, the atmosphere turned magical as the Ganga Aarti commenced. Scholars, saints, and Acharyas held large garlands of lamps, the sound of bells resonated, and the chant of “Har Har Gange” filled the air. The sight of countless reflections of lamps in the flowing Ganga was a visual experience that touched the soul. It felt as if the Ganga herself was accepting the devotion of her devotees.
This program was not just a celebration, but an attempt to reconnect with India’s roots, proving that Indian civilization can still guide the world with the wisdom of the Vedas, the practice of Yoga, and the knowledge of Ayurveda. The event in Haridwar was not only a one-day spiritual festival but marked the beginning of a new wave of cultural renaissance in India. Whenever the Ganga flows and the verses of the Vedas resonate, the golden chapter of this All India Shastrotsav will be remembered.
On this occasion, the Chancellor of Patanjali University and Yoga Guru, Swami Ramdev, remarked that scriptures are not mere words but an immortal source of knowledge. He emphasized that as long as India adopts its culture and eternal traditions, spirituality and peace will continue to flow across the world. Declaring the importance of the eternal, he spoke about the need to build a strong and organized India. He also highlighted that the Vedas and scriptures are the most important aspect of life, stating, “The Vedas are both our history and our present.”
The Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University, Acharya Balkrishna, spoke about the significance of the evening Aarti and the scripture recital. He stated that the teachings of Sanatan Dharma should be incorporated into daily life. He added that the Vedas and scriptures are not just religious texts but also an art of living, containing the science, medicine, and philosophy that can guide the entire world.
Professor Srinivasa Varakhedi, Vice-Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, called this initiative by Patanjali University a world record, saying that thousands of students had come together to chant scriptures and set a new milestone. He also stressed the importance of reviving the Sanskrit language, Vedas, and the Indian knowledge tradition.
On this occasion, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Patanjali University, Professor Sadhvi Devpriya, highlighted the importance of the revival of Indian scriptures, saying that this event would inspire future generations and accelerate the dissemination of knowledge related to the Vedas, Upanishads, Ayurveda, and Yoga.
