Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Sikra-Kulingram, observed the auspicious occasion of the 164th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, celebrated nationwide as National Youth Day, on 12 January 2026.

The programme began with Vedic chanting and the Swadesh Mantra, followed by an inspiring address delivered by Swami Anantanandaji Maharaj, Secretary of the Ashrama.

As part of the celebration, 5,368 exercise books were distributed among 1,224 local students, encouraging their educational growth and in honour of Swamiji’s vision for youth empowerment.

Additionally, students from six GAP units associated with the Ashrama observed the day by organising processions, displaying placards with Swamiji’s inspiring quotations, and engaging in discussions on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.eers, and devotees whose support ensured the success of this spiritually uplifting celebration.

The 164th Birth Anniversary of Swami Brahmananda and Annual Celebration 2026 was conducted by Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Sikra-Kulingram, with great spiritual fervor, blending traditional rituals, educational conventions, and cultural performances over three days.

Day 1: Sunday, 18th January 2026

Birth Anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna and Maa Sarada Devi The inaugural day was dedicated to the divine lives of Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi.

• Morning Devotion: The day commenced with Mangalarati, Vedic chanting, and stotras.
• Spiritual Discourse: Recitations of the Divya Jiban (divine life stories) were followed by insightful talks delivered by Swami Biswanathanandaji (Belur Math) and Swami Dewatwanandaji (RKMVERI).
• Devotional Music: Swami Shivadhishananda (RKM Narendrapur) performed Bhajans, and the Andul Kali Kirtan Samity presented Kali Kirtan.
• Cultural Program: The evening featured lyrical recitations and a captivating dance drama performed by Brahmananda Manimela, Sikra.

Day 2: Monday, 19th January 2026

Student Convention & Swami Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary The second day focused on the youth, inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

• Competitions: A drawing competition saw enthusiastic participation from 94 local students, followed by recitations, storytelling, and a quiz on Swamiji’s life.
• Educational Outreach: To support the community, scholarships were awarded to 30 deserving students to encourage their higher education.
• Speakers: Swami Atmanathananda (RKM Students’ Home, Belgharia) and Prof. Arijit Sarkar delivered motivating lectures centered on Swamiji’s message for the modern student.
• Cultural Highlights: The day featured Kuchipudi and classical dance by Anandadhara Nrityagosthi (Shantiniketan) and concluded with a high-energy Chhau dance by the Bongabari group.
• Attendance: Approximately 1,200 students, guardians, and devotees participated in the day’s events.

Day 3: Tuesday, 20th January 2026

Raja Maharaj’s Janma Tithipuja (164th Birth Anniversary) The final day celebrated the birth anniversary of Swami Brahmananda (Raja Maharaj), the spiritual son of Sri Ramakrishna.

• Rituals & Nagar Parikrama: Following Mangalarati and a special Tithipuja in the shrine, thousands of devotees participated in a Nagar Parikrama (procession) through the locality.
• Spiritual Discourse: Swami Tatwasarananda (Principal, Brahmachari Training Centre), Swami Vedanuragananda (Vice-Principal, RKMCC Rahara), and Swami Lokottorananda (Kamarpukur) addressed a public meeting on the life of Raja Maharaj.
• Musical & Dramatic Tributes: * Devotional songs were performed by Swami Samapriyananda and Swami Kalyaneshananda (with team).
  • Kristi Parishad (Kolkata) performed a Shruti Nataka.
  • The celebration culminated with the drama “Brajer Rakhal-Rakhal Raja,” based on Swami Brahmananda’s life, performed by Kalpataru Natyatirtha, Antpur.
• Impact: Over 10,000 devotees attended the final day and partook of Prasad.

Conclusion: The three-day event concluded with a vote of thanks to all donors, volunteers, and devotees whose support ensured the success of this spiritually uplifting celebration.

Revered Swami Vimalatmanandaji Maharaj, one of the Vice Presidents of the Ramakrishna Order, visited Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Sikra-Kulingram, from 5th to 10th May 2025. During his stay, he bestowed Mantra Diksha (spiritual initiation) upon several devotees. Additionally, Maharaj delivered discourses elucidating the essence of spiritual life, offering profound insights and guidance to the assembled devotees.