New Delhi: A grand Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti Mahotsav and Shobha Yatra was organised on Sunday at Katha Punj Park in Yamuna Bazar, Delhi, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great saint, devotee of Lord Ram and legendary poet Goswami Tulsidas. The event was organised under the aegis of the All India Goswami Mahasabha, with Bharatiya Janata Party MP and national spokesperson Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi attending as the chief guest.

Dr. Trivedi paid tribute to Goswami Tulsidas, describing his life and literary works as an invaluable part of India’s cultural heritage. He said that Tulsidas was among the priceless personalities bestowed upon India, whose contribution has had a profound impact on the country’s history, religion, literature and culture.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi said that Goswami Tulsidas was not only a supreme devotee of Lord Shri Ram but also one of the greatest literary figures in world literature. He said it is extremely difficult to find a comparable example of his literary genius anywhere in the world.

‘Goswami’ Was an Honorable Title

Explaining the term ‘Goswami’, Dr. Trivedi said that the word is derived from the Sanskrit terms ‘Go’ and ‘Swami’. ‘Go’ can refer to the senses, speech or cow, while ‘Swami’ means master or one who exercises control. He said that in ancient times, ‘Goswami’ was used as an honorable title.

He further said that the Goswami community has played an important role in the development of India’s history, religion, literature and culture. Goswami Tulsidas was one of the great personalities of this illustrious tradition, whose works have influenced the Indian consciousness for centuries.

Questions Colonial Approach to Indian Literature

Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi also spoke about the colonial mindset and said that Indians have long been taught several things in which their rich literary traditions were defined through foreign standards.

Giving an example, he said that great Indian literary figures such as Mahakavi Kalidasa are often described as the ‘Shakespeare of India’. He said that Indian literature has its own extremely rich and glorious tradition. Great literary figures such as Kalidasa and Tulsidas should be understood on the basis of their originality and contribution to Indian culture rather than being defined through comparisons with foreign writers.

He said that the works of Goswami Tulsidas represent a remarkable synthesis of devotion, philosophy, social life, morality and Indian culture. His literary legacy continues to inspire and guide society even today.

Large Participation of the Goswami Community in Grand Shobha Yatra

A large number of members of the Goswami community participated in the programme organised under the aegis of the All India Goswami Mahasabha. The gathering listened with great enthusiasm to the inspiring address and insightful views of Dr. Sudhanshu Trivedi.

Dr. Dhananjay Giri, Shri Shankar Giri, National President of the All India Goswami Mahasabha Mahant Sachchidanand Giri, and Mahamandaleshwar Shri Guruji Goswami Sushil Ji Maharaj, Peethadhishwar of Maharishi Bhrigu Peeth, along with other prominent members of the community, also addressed the gathering.

The visiting dignitaries were felicitated by Dr. Dhananjay Giri, president of the Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti Celebration Campaign Committee and BJP spokesperson, Mahant Sachchidanand Giri, National President of the All India Goswami Mahasabha, and other office-bearers of the Mahasabha. They were presented with portraits of Goswami Tulsidas Ji and traditional angavastram as a mark of honour.

Shobha Yatra Begins from Katha Punj Park

The grand event was organised on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Katha Punj Park in Yamuna Bazar, Delhi, near the historic Marghat Wale Hanuman Ji Temple. Following the programme, a grand Shobha Yatra was taken out, featuring colourful tableaux and enthusiastic participation by thousands of members of the Goswami community.

The procession began from Katha Punj Park in Yamuna Bazar and passed through Lothian Bridge, Red Fort and GPO, before reaching Goswami Tulsidas Chowk near Koria Pul. A floral tribute was paid to the statue of Goswami Tulsidas Ji at the Chowk, following which the Shobha Yatra formally concluded.

The entire event witnessed an atmosphere of enthusiasm and devotion among devotees and members of the community. The colourful tableaux, religious chants and participation of thousands of people made the Goswami Tulsidas Jayanti celebration a memorable occasion.