The contents of the scripture are derived from the Upanishads and discuss different paths of jnana (knowledge), karma (action) and bhakti (devotion) and how they lead to moksha (ultimate liberation) of the soul.

Just as the battle was about to start, Arjuna asked Krishna to drive the chariot to the middle of the battlefield, to look more closely at the opposing forces.

Seeing that the opposing side consisted of his relatives, teachers and friends, Arjuna was left in a state of moral dilemma about fighting them and sought help from Krishna.

Pranab Mukherjee, President of India, was to inaugurate the Mahotsav; later it was done by Kaptan Singh Solanki, Governor of Haryana, and Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister.

[8] In 2017, the Gita Mahotsav was held on 25 November to 3 December, inaugurated by Ram Nath Kovind, President of India.