The 191st Auspicious Birth Anniversary of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna Deva was solemnly observed over three days — the 24th, 30th and 31st of May, 2026 — at the premises of Ramakrishna Mission, Falakata. For the occasion, the temple, the statue of Swami Vivekananda and the main entrance gate of the Ashrama were adorned with flowers, illuminations and festoons of lights. A decorated pandal-cum-stage was erected for the programmes and discourses, with two additional pandals constructed for Prasad distribution and Sankirtanam. Residents of Falakata contributed generously in cash and kind toward the celebration.
24th May 2026 — Competitions
Competitions for school and college students were held, with nearly 500 students participating. Fourteen teachers and educationists from the locality served as judges. Judges and volunteers were served lunch, while competitors were offered jilipi and cucumber.
30th May 2026 — Procession, Prasad and Youth Conference
- A religious procession proceeded from Falakata Shitala Bari to the Mission premises, with more than 250 devotees participating, following requisite permissions from the Police Authorities and Sub-Divisional Officer.
- Khichuri Prasad was distributed to nearly 400 persons between 12 noon and 2:30 p.m.
- Prize-winning students presented devotional songs and recitations.
- The statue of Swami Vivekananda was garlanded by Swami Jnanalokananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House and Cultural Centre.
- A Youth Conference was held, chaired by the Revered Maharaj of the Ashrama, attended by about sixty youths from Falakata colleges. Addresses were delivered by the Revered Maharaj and Prof. Sri Hirendranath Bhattacharya, former Principal of Falakata College. The session concluded at 6:20 p.m., followed by evening Aratrikam.
- In the evening, devotional songs, recitations and choral presentations by youth participants were held, followed by prize distribution and dinner Prasad for competitors and their families. The day concluded with a choral presentation of devotional songs and compositions of Rabindranath Tagore.
31st May 2026 — Concluding Day
Special worship of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna Deva was performed with offerings of rice and other dishes, followed by Pushpanjali. Proceedings commenced with the lighting of lamps and Vedic chanting, followed by the reception of monastic guest-speakers with floral bouquets, Uttariyas and mementoes of Swami Vivekananda.
- The Address of Welcome was delivered by Swami Shaktipradananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Falakata.
- Prof. Sri Hirendranath Bhattacharya addressed the gathering.
- Swami Nareshananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Sahudangi, delivered a discourse.
- A Sadhu Bhandara was held in honour of fifteen monastics from nearby centres, who were served Prasad of the Holy Trio and offered Pranami. Prize-winners presented songs, recitations and storytelling performances.
- Lunch Prasad — rice, dal, vegetable preparations, chutney, payasam, sweets, papad and fruit — was served to nearly 3,000 devotees, with distribution continuing until about 9:00 p.m.
- In the afternoon, Swami Shivapremananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri, and Swami Vishwadharananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Siliguri, addressed the gathering.
- A conch-blowing competition for mothers was organised, drawing wide participation and applause.
- The evening Aratrikam was followed by a Geeti-Alekhya, “Sri Ramakrishna Namamrita,” presented by the Maa Sarada Group, the chanting of “Ramakrishna Sharanam,” a group photograph session, and a Vote of Thanks.
By the grace of the Holy Trio, the three-day celebration concluded successfully, leaving a deep spiritual impression upon all who participated.
