The Ramakrishna Math, Thanjavur, joyfully celebrated the 9 of the auspicious Navaratri festival and the Vijaya Dashami from September 23 to October 2, 2025, with a rich array of spiritual and cultural programs across its City Centre and Village Empowerment Centre.
Day 1: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
The celebration began with profound spiritual fervor at both locations. The City Centre featured the chanting of Devi Mahatmyam and the regular recitation of Lalita Sahasranama. The evening also saw cultural programs performed by the students of Ganesha Vidyasala Middle School. Simultaneously, the Village Empowerment Centre hosted a Sri Rudra Puja and Parayanam, alongside Devi Mahatmyam chanting and a vibrant Kolattam (folk dance) performance.
Day 2: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The second day at the City Centre focused on spiritual discourse and artistic presentation. Students from Kamala Subramaniam Secondary School presented a drama depicting Vamana Avatar and a traditional Bharatanatyam performance. This was followed by a spiritual discourse delivered by Sri Gopaldas Maharaj, a disciple of Govindapuram Vittaldas Maharaj, on the topic, “Lives of Devotees.”
Day 3: Thursday, September 25, 2025
The third day was dedicated to honoring the various aspects of the Goddess. To glorify the valour of Goddess Durga, students from Winner Multimural Academy demonstrated various martial arts, including Silambam, Yogasanas, and Karate. Subsequently, to honor the grace of Goddess Saraswati, students of the Government Music College, Thiruvaiyaru, offered a devotional musical feast.
Day 4: Friday, September 26, 2025
Devotional practices marked the fourth day. At the City Centre, devotees performed the Thiruvilakku Puja dedicated to Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, accompanied by the recitation of the Lalitha Sahasranamam and devotional bhajans. The Village Empowerment Centre hosted a special talk by Ms. Umayal, who spoke on the theme “Mother is with us as one of our own,” explaining how the Holy Mother showers her grace upon devotees.
Day 5: Saturday, September 27, 2025
The fifth day combined cultural engagement with artistic expression. The City Centre held a drawing competition, where prizes were awarded to ten best paintings and five merit-level paintings, followed by evening bhajans. The Village Empowerment Centre concluded the first half of the celebrations with a delightful musical feast presented by the students of Rudran Music School, featuring a variety of instrumental and vocal performances on the Veena, Keyboard, Violin, and Mridangam.
Day 6: Sunday, September 28, 2025
The 6th day, September 28th, 2025, featured rich cultural performances. At the City Centre, members of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Samithi performed special bhajans (devotional songs). This was complemented by devotional songs sung by Ms. Madhumitha and Ms. Santhoshi. Simultaneously, at the Village Empowerment Centre, students of Sri Nrityanjali Natya Kalalayam showcased their talent through dance performances. Additionally, children performed Kolattam, a traditional folk dance, set to the powerful hymn “Ayigiri Nandini.”
Day 7: Monday, September 29, 2025
The 7th day, September 29th, 2025, focused on youthful talent and tradition. At the Village Empowerment Centre, children sang devotional songs, and youth demonstrated their skills in Silambam and other martial arts, highlighting the cultural and physical vitality of the community.
Day 8: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
The 8th day, September 30th, 2025, marked a day of significant spiritual observances. The morning featured a special puja (worship), followed by a Homa (fire ritual), Bhajan, Deeparadhana (waving of lights), and Pushpanjali (offering of flowers), concluding with the distribution of Prasadam (consecrated food). The spiritual atmosphere was enriched by Sri Ram Sastri, who delivered a beautiful discourse on the Divine Mother (devi). The celebrations also included a performance of simple songs by the children of Jayaswaralaya and the conduct of a Lamp Puja at the Village Empowerment Centre.
Day 9: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
On the 9th day, October 1st, 2025, a Singing Competition was held at the Village Empowerment Centre to encourage musical talent. This day is traditionally associated with Saraswati Puja, and accordingly, a sacred Matru Puja (worship of the mother) was performed. The day’s spiritual enrichment continued with a lecture by Sri. Balaguru on the topic, “Those Blessed by the Grace of Saraswati,” emphasizing the importance of wisdom and learning.
Day 10: Thursday, October 2, 2025
The festivities culminated on the 10th day, October 2nd, 2025, celebrated as Vijaya Dashami. This day honored the pursuit of knowledge and the Divine Mother’s blessings. Students from the Dayananda Saraswati Primary & Nursery School, who arrived in divine attire, along with their teachers, were reverentially worshipped and honored. The traditional and sacred ceremony of Aksharabhyasam (initiation into learning) was conducted, marking the formal beginning of education for young children. The celebration concluded with the symbolic immersion of tender sprouted grains—representing life and fertility—into the sacred waters of the River Cauvery as a final offering to Mother Earth.
