The Ramakrishna Mission at Kamarpukur is observing the 191st birth anniversary of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The Janma Tithi Utsav will be celebrated over four days. Thousands of devotees from far and near have gathered to take part in the four-day festivities.
Among those present on the occasion were Arambagh MP Mitali Bagh, BJP MLA Biswanath Karak and former TMC MLA Manas Mazumdar.
The Maharaj of the Kamarpukur Ramakrishna Mission and Math, Swami Lokottarananda, elaborated on the schedule of the Utsav. He said the Janma Tithi celebrations began today with Mangal Arati at 4.30 a.m, followed by recitations from the Vedas, the Holy Gita, Chandi Path and Usha Hari Namkirtan.
A colourful procession depicting the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa went around the town. More than 1,300 students from 16 schools took part in the procession. Over 7,000 food packets were distributed among schoolchildren and participants.
Later in the afternoon, yajna were performed, followed by a Dharma Sabha. Bhog and prasad were served to more than 25,000 devotees and visitors.
In the evening, after the Sandhya Arati, an open-air theatre performance (jatra) was staged.
The Maharaj added that on the concluding day of the Utsav, stationery items will be distributed among students from 16 schools, and clothes will be distributed to 2,500 women.
“On this holy Janma Tithi Utsav, we send out the message of tolerance, love, compassion and communal harmony. Service to mankind is service to God,” said Swami Lokottarananda.