Ramakrishna Mission, Kalyani, celebrated the holy occasion of Janmashtami by organising a special worship of schoolboys from underprivileged backgrounds as Bal Gopals on the morning of the festival.
A total of 80 students of Classes II to IV from nearby schools participated in the programme. The ceremony commenced at 9.00 am in the prayer hall with Vedic chanting. The children were lovingly worshipped as Bal Gopals with sandalwood tilak, garlands and aarti.
As part of the programme, each student was presented with a school bag containing two notebooks, a pencil box with accessories, drawing kits, a water bottle, a snacks pouch and clothing. Each child was also provided with a packet of fruits and sweets.
To facilitate the participation of the children, transportation was arranged by bus from their respective schools to the Ashrama and back to the schools after the programme.
The programme concluded at 10.30 am with peace chanting. The celebration provided an opportunity to express love and reverence towards the children while bringing joy and a sense of dignity to the young participants on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami.
