Ramakrishna Mission Kalyani observed the auspicious festival of Sharadotsav with a spirit of devotion, social service, and community outreach.
Social Service Initiatives:
- Anna and Vastra Distribution: On Mahalaya (October 2nd, 2024) and Shasti (October 8th, 2024), the Ashrama distributed essential supplies (food and clothing) to over 600 economically disadvantaged elderly mothers.
Swami Prabhananda Memorial Lecture:
- Commemoration and Scholarship: On October 6th, the Swami Prabhananda Memorial Lecture was held in the afternoon at the Swami Vivekananda Auditorium. Swami Shivapradanandaji Maharaj, Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapeeth, Purulia, delivered an enlightening discourse on “Sri Ramakrishna o Tar Bhakter Sansar” (Sri Ramakrishna and His Devotees’ World). The program saw participation from around 250 individuals.
- Scholarship Distribution and Course Completion Certificates: As part of the event, Swami Prabhananda Scholarships were awarded to ten meritorious students facing financial challenges. Additionally, nine mothers who successfully completed the “Swami Prabhananda Self Reliant Program” received their course completion certificates.
Sharadotsav Celebrations:
- Sri Sri Durgasthami Puja: On October 11th, 2024, the celebrations for Sri Sri Durgasthami commenced with Mangalarati (auspicious offering of light), chanting, devotional songs, and special pujas offered to Sri Ramakrishna and Maa Durga.
- Kumari Puja: Sixty young girls (Kumaris) from underprivileged backgrounds were invited from two schools and received a warm welcome at the Ashrama. They were presented with saris, cosmetics, garlands, sandal paste tikas, and aarti. Additionally, each Kumari received a school bag with essentials, an umbrella, and sweets.
- Japa-Yagna and Community Feast: Japa-Yagna (devotional chanting and fire sacrifice) was performed during the Sandhikshan (the auspicious meeting point of two lunar days). A nourishing noon prasad (meal) was offered to over 600 devotees.
- Sandhyarati, Stotram, and Kirtan: The evening concluded with Sandhyarati (evening worship), recitation of the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram (hymn to Durga slaying the demon Mahishasura), and lively kirtan (devotional chanting).
