From 25 to 27 March 2026, Sri Ramakrishna Advaita Ashrama, Kalady, celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Universal Temple alongside the 24th All Kerala Sri Ramakrishna Bhakta Sammelan. The event was graced by the presence of Most Revered Srimat Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
Day 1: Youth and Values (25 March)
The celebrations began with a focus on the next generation and spiritual foundation.
- Youth Convention: Sessions led by Smt. Divya S. Iyer, IAS, and various monastics emphasized character building and “Value-Based Education.”
- Panel Discussion: Former Chief Secretary V. P. Joy, IAS, and Padmashri K. K. Muhammed discussed the role of youth in nation-building.
- Cultural: The day concluded with a Hindustani vocal performance by Sri Dattatreya Velankar.
- Prelude: Notably, on 15 March, 50 nearby temples were gifted Rudraksha saplings and commemorative plaques.
Day 2: Spiritual Integration & Sadhu Sangamam (26 March)
This day highlighted the unity of various spiritual lineages in Kerala.
- Rituals: Included Ganapathi Homa (by Sringeri Math priests) and a discourse on Sri Ramakrishna Bhagavatam.
- Sadhu Sangamam: A major gathering of heads from various organizations, including Mata Amritanandamayi Math, Sivagiri Mutt, and Chinmaya Mission, discussing the legacy of the Holy Trio.
- Releases: Most Revered President Maharaj released the souvenir Sreepadahavyam, a history booklet of the Kalady Ashrama, and a video on Swami Agamanandaji.
- Procession: A grand Ratha Yatra (chariot procession) of Sri Ramakrishna traversed the area, accompanied by traditional Kerala percussion.
Day 3: Devotee Convention & Valedictory (27 March)
The final day focused on the laity and the broader message of Indian unity.
- Bhakta Sammelan: Inaugurated by Chief Justice Soumen Sen, featuring seminars on Western Philosophy vs. Vivekananda and Motherhood as a spiritual ideal.
- Nara-Narayana Puja: 50 individuals were ceremonially worshipped as embodiments of the Divine and offered dakshina and gifts.
- Valedictory Session: Inaugurated by the Governor of Kerala, Sri Rajendra Arlekar, with a special address by former Governor Sri Arif Mohammed Khan. Both leaders emphasized the message of oneness inherent in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna.
- Ram Navami: As the date coincided with Sri Rama Navami, special pujas and Rama Nama Sankirtanam were performed to conclude the three-day event.
