Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, Dhaka, held an exceptional and extensive Gita Festival over two days, on November 14 and 21, 2025. The festival, which marked the glory of Lord Sri Krishna and Srimad Bhagavad Gita, was supported by the High Commission of India in Bangladesh and represented the first such comprehensive program in the history of the Ramakrishna Order in Bangladesh.
Day 1: Competitions (November 14, 2025)
The first day focused on competitive events for children and youth, categorized from Class 1 up to Honors level.
- Events Held: Gita Chanting, Quiz (written MCQ), and Speech Competitions on Sri Krishna and Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
- Participation: A total of 325 students participated in the various events.
- Inauguration: The competition was inaugurated by Swami Purnatmananda, Adhyaksha & Spiritual Head of the Ramakrishna Order in Bangladesh, with a lamp lighting and a benedictory address.
- Judges: Six Sanskrit teachers from Dhaka University served as judges for the Gita Chanting, while two distinguished professors (Dr. Sitesh Chandra Bachar and Dr. Chandranath Podder) judged the speech competition.
- Attendance & Prasad: The inaugural program was attended by 1,000 people (teachers, students, guardians, and devotees). Tiffin was served to competitors, and Khichudi packets were distributed to the entire audience after the competitions.
Day 2: Spiritual and Cultural Programme (November 21, 2025)
The second day focused on solemn worship, cultural presentations, and a central discussion meeting on the theme of harmony.
- Morning Sessions: Activities included Special Puja, Homa, and Whole Srimad Bhagavad Gita Chanting at the Sri Sri Thakur Mandir.
- Evening Programme: The event, held at the Swami Aksharananda auditorium, began with a cultural programme featuring children artistes.
- Inauguration: The evening session was inaugurated by Mr. Pranay Verma, High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh, with a lamp lighting, followed by Vedic chanting by Sadhus and Brahmacharins. The inaugural event featured Gita chanting and a speech (
Srimad Bhagavad Gita in Daily Life) delivered by competition winners. - Discussion Meeting: Presided over by Swami Purnatmananda, the meeting titled
Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Harmonyfeatured Mr. Pranay Verma as the Chief Guest, alongside Prof. Niranjan Adhikary and Prof. Dr. Asim Sarker as Special Guests. - Prize Distribution: Prizes were awarded, including crests (1st prize), printed mugs (2nd prize), and geometry boxes (3rd prize). All winners also received a copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, a medal, and a certificate of achievement.
- Conclusion: More than 1,000 people attended the day-long program and took prasad. The event, which concluded with a vote of thanks by Swami Haridasananda, ended peacefully and with great spontaneous enthusiasm.
