A massive turnout of people recited the slokas of Hindu religious text The Bhagavad Gita in unison in Kolkata's iconic Brigade Parade ground on Sunday.

The programme christened "Lokkho Konthe Gita Path" (Recitation of the Gita by one lalh people) was organised jointly by the Akhil Bharatiya Sanskrit Parishad, Sanskrit Sangsad, Motilal BharatTirtha Seba Mission Ashram, and various other organisatiions of Hindu monks and saw the sprawling ground almost filled to capacity.

The organisers claimed the gathering was historic and non-religious and some 120,000 individuals had registered to participate in the programme.

Shankaracharya Sadananda Saraswati of Dwarka, Jagannath temple, Puri, Daitapati and other sages attended the gathering, the first of its kind in West Bengal.

Before the chanting of the Gita began, thousands of women blew conch shells together invoking the good omen.

Earlier Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a message said the initiative was"truly laudable."

Modi was earlier scheduled to attend the programe, but decided to skip it due to other pre-occupations.

"Our cultural heritage is an amalgamation of lofty tradition, profound knowledge and philosophical-spiritual wisdom. Inclusivity, Cultural diversity and harmony are our inherent strengths. From the times of Mahabharat, to our freedom movement, down to the present day, Srimad Bhagavad Gita continues to inspire one and all," he said.

Modi said that he was positive that the recitation by such a huge gathering of people who have come together from different walks of life will not only boost social harmony but also infuse energy in the nation's development journey.

"The period till 2047 is an opportunity to fulfil the vision of building a strong development and inclusive Bharat through collective efforts. May the Lokkho Konthe Gita path bring peace and well being for all best wishes to all the organisers for the success of the endeavour," the PM concluded.

Several West Bengal BJP leaders including state president Sukanta Majumdar, leader of the opposition Suvendu Adhikari and national vice president Dilip Ghosh attended the programme as volunteers and sat on the ground.

(With UNI inputs)