Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Jalpaiguri, had the rare privilege of hosting Most Revered Swami Gautamananda ji Maharaj, the President, Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math on 11–12 May 2025. The two-day visit was marked by deep devotion, vibrant cultural expressions, and an outpouring of community participation.
Grand Reception and Procession (May 11)
Revered Maharaj was ceremoniously received at Goshala More with a motorcade and bike rally bearing flags. The majestic Shashwata-Bharata Ratha procession proceeded to PWD More and was joined by enthusiastic devotees. Students of the Vivekananda Abhyudaya Prakalpa (VAP) welcomed Maharaj with a heartfelt Swagatam near Gandhi Statue.
Cultural highlights included:
- Shankha Dwani by women devotees carrying kalash
- Rhythmic Dhak performances and traditional kirtan
- Folk dances like Adivasi Nritya, Bairati dance
- RAF band performance
- Tableau of Thakur, Maa, and Swamiji with tribal dances and Manab Murti of the Holy Trio
Mass Participation and Blessings
Over 1500 people, including 36 monks and representatives from 26 organisations, joined the grand procession. In the temple, Revered Maharaj offered pranams to the Holy Trinity and later delivered a 16-minute benedictory address in the Vivekananda Auditorium.
- 2500 devotees offered pranams
- Sumptuous lunch with ten cooked items was served to 1700 participants
- After the vesper, 700 devotees received blessings and partook of khichuri prasad
May 12: Inaugurations and Outreach
🏫 Swami Yatiswaranandaji Plaque at Jalpaiguri Zilla School
Revered Maharaj inaugurated a commemorative plaque at his alma mater. Inspirational books were also gifted, and Maharaj addressed 300 students and staff.
🚉 Swami Vivekananda Plaque at Railway Station
A plaque commemorating 125 years of Swamiji’s last visit to Jalpaiguri Town station was unveiled. The event was attended by:
- MP Dr. Jayanta Roy
- ADRM, Katihar
- Railway officials, local dignitaries, and 500 participants
🏠 Inauguration of Ashrama Hostel Building
Revered Maharaj inaugurated the renovated Ground and First Floors and the newly built Second Floor of the Ashrama’s Students’ Hostel, funded by IOCL.
