Bengaluru: Public celebrations mark 125 years of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda movement

Bengaluru witnessed a grand public celebration on March 2, 2025, marking 125 years of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Movement in Halasuru and the 190th birth anniversary of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna. The event, overseen by Swami Bodhaswarupananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Halasuru, aimed to spread the spiritual message of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda among people from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Talks were held in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and English to reach a wider audience.

Morning Procession and Worship

The celebrations began with a worship ceremony, followed by a vibrant procession led by monks and devotees, singing bhajans around the temple. Various bhajan groups, including Kamakshi Satsang Kendra and Swami Tadyuktananda of Ramakrishna Math, Bengaluru, performed devotional songs.

Swami Sarvajayananda of Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, read from Sri Sri Ramakrishna Charite in Kannada, giving insights into Sri Ramakrishna’s life. Swami Bodhaswarupananda personally ensured that the events proceeded smoothly, guiding devotees and speakers throughout the program.

Monks and scholars delivered thought-provoking discourses:

• Swami Tyagishwaranandaji (Ramakrishna Mission, Davanagere) recounted the history of Ramakrishna Math, Halasuru.
• Swami Nityasthananda (Ramakrishna Math, Bengaluru) explained Sri Ramakrishna’s four spiritual disciplines: Vyakulata (yearning), Patience, Vairagya (detachment), and Shraddha (faith).
• Swami Paramasukhananda delivered a Tamil talk on Sri Ramakrishna’s devotion and renunciation as a model for spiritual seekers.
• Dr. TGK Murthy (Retd. ISRO Director) spoke in Telugu on Sri Ramakrishna as an Avataravarishta (supreme incarnation).
• Swami Vidyanathananda (Mahan Maharaj, renowned mathematician) spoke in English and Bengali on Samanvaya (harmony) in religion and philosophy.
• Sri Biswabandhu Chattaraj (Retd. Addl. Commissioner, Income Tax) narrated key incidents from Sri Ramakrishna’s life in Bengali.

Afternoon bhajans and spiritual discourses

A mass feeding (Anna Santarpane) was organized for all attendees. This was followed by bhajans from Sri Ramakrishna Seva Kendra, Taranga School of Music, and Seetharam Bhajan Mandira. Swami Paramasukhananda later elaborated on the Bhagavatam’s impact on King Parikshit.

Evening harikatha and cultural offerings

Suradhuni Dr. Dattatreya Velankar presented a Kannada Harikatha on the Divya Trayaru (Holy Trinity). The event concluded with an evening Arati, bhajans by Vidwan Gururaj, and Prasad distribution.

The celebration served as a spiritual retreat, inspiring devotees to follow the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.