Day 1: 29th January 2025, Thursday
The celebration commenced with the Birth Anniversary of Swami Brahmananda, while the first day was specially dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna and Sri Sri Ma Sarada Devi. The day began with Mangalarati, Vedic chanting, and stotras, creating a deeply spiritual ambiance. The recitation of Divya Jiban—the life stories of Thakur and Maa—inspired all present.
Baul songs by Bikash Das Baul and lyrical recitations enriched the cultural essence of the day. Swami Balabhadranandaji, Assistant General Secretary of Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Belur Math, and Swami Vedanuragananda, Vice-Principal of Ramakrishna Mission Centenary College, Rahara shared profound insights on the teachings and lives of Thakur and Maa. The highlight of the evening was the dance drama Bhakta Prahlad, presented by Brahmananda Manimela, Sikra.
The inaugural day set a serene and devotional tone, blending spirituality, music, discourse, and artistic expressions in tribute to these divine personalities.
Day 2: 30th January 2025, Friday
Dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, the second day began with a drawing competition featuring 100 local students. The celebration continued with various activities reflecting Swamiji’s influence, including recitations, storytelling, singing, dance performances, and a quiz on his life and teachings.
Swami Atmanathananda of Ramakrishna Mission Students’ Home for Boys, Belgharia, and Prof. Arijit Sarkar delivered enlightening speeches on Swami Vivekananda’s message for students. Cultural performances included Manipuri and Bharatnatyam dances by Anandadhara Nrityagosthi of Shantiniketan.
As a gesture of encouragement, scholarships were awarded to 10 underprivileged yet deserving students. The day concluded with a mesmerizing Chhau dance by the Bongabari Chhau dance group, leaving the audience inspired by Swamiji’s timeless ideals.
Day 3: 31st January 2025, Saturday
The third day commemorated the 163rd Birth Anniversary of Swami Brahmananda with reverence and simplicity. The day began with Mangalarati, Vedic chanting, and bhajans, followed by a special Puja at the shrine. A grand Nagar Parikrama saw thousands of devotees walking in devotion, enhancing the sacred spirit of the occasion.
Students of Ramakrishna Mission Vidya Mandira, Belur Math, performed Kaliya Daman, honoring their spiritual heritage. Swami Kalyaneshananda and his team presented Shri Ramakrishna Punthi through soulful songs. The ambiance was further enriched by a devotional performance by Srikumar Chattopadhyay, filling the air with deep spiritual fervor.
Revered Swami Vimalatmanandaji Maharaj, Vice President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, graced the event and delivered a spiritually uplifting discourse on Raja Maharaj during the public meeting. Swami Lokottoranandaji of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Kamarpukur, also honored the event. The evening culminated with the theatrical presentation Nader Nimai, performed by Howrah Samaj.
Over 12,000 devotees participated in the celebrations, receiving Prasad with love and devotion. Special arrangements, including systematic queues and dedicated volunteers, were made to ensure smooth and efficient distribution of Prasad among the large gathering. The event concluded with immense gratitude extended to all supporters, donors, and devotees whose contributions made this grand celebration a success.
