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.