The formal Handing Over and Taking Over Ceremony of Balurghat Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Dakshin Dinajpur, to Ramakrishna Mission, Balurghat, a branch centre of Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, Howrah, was held at the Ramakrishna Mission premises on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
A total of 35 monks from various centres in India and abroad, along with a large gathering of devotees and admirers, attended this historic and spiritually uplifting occasion.
To mark the event, a grand procession (Palki Yatra) with Sri Sri Thakur, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda was organised on 22 December 2025 at 3:00 p.m., with enthusiastic participation of the monks of the Ramakrishna Order.
The programme on 23 December 2025 began with Mangala Arati, followed by a special Sri Thakur Puja with Shodasa Upachara, Homa, Bhogarati, and Pushpanjali. The puja was performed by Swami Amareshwarananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Nabadwip.
The Handing Over Ceremony commenced at 5:00 p.m. with floral tributes to the Holy Trio by Swami Suvirananda ji, General Secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math, followed by lighting of the ceremonial lamp with Vedic chanting by monks.
An opening devotional song by Swami Durganatjanandaji Maharaj set the tone for the proceedings. The welcome address was delivered by Sri Prosanna Barman, former Secretary of Balurghat Shri Ramakrishna Ashrama. Addresses were also offered by Sri Manas Bose, District Judge, Dakshin Dinajpur, and Swami Tyagarupananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Malda.
Sri Prosanna Barman then formally handed over all official documents to Revered Swami Suviranandaji Maharaj, who entrusted them to Swami Satyadharmananda, the newly appointed Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Balurghat.
Swami Suviranandaji Maharaj delivered a profound and inspiring address, deeply touching the hearts of the 2,600 devotees present.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Swami Satyadharmananda, followed by a closing devotional song sung by Swami Shastravidananda of Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi.
On this auspicious occasion, Prasad was distributed to more than 2,600 devotees.
