The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrated its centenary year on Sunday with a special march held at Chittaranjan Park, popularly known as “Mini Kolkata,” in the national capital, as well as in adjoining areas.
The procession began at 10 am from the Sanatan Dharma Temple and featured around 300 swayamsevaks dressed in traditional RSS uniforms, carrying sticks and wearing caps.
They marched to the rhythm of drums and band music through the Chittaranjan Park neighbourhood. In Noida, the RSS cadres conducted similar sector-wise marches.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar on Vijaya Dashami in 1925. Marking 100 years of that occasion, the organisation entered its centenary year this Vijaya Dashami of 2025.
As part of nationwide observances announced on October 2, Sunday’s event at Chittaranjan Park and adjoining areas formed one segment of the broader celebrations.
Amid the festive spirit of Durga Puja, the march drew enthusiastic local participation. Residents, both men and women, showered flowers on the swayamsevaks in admiration. People lined the streets, chanting “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Jai Shri Ram.”
In a noteworthy coincidence, this year, for the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Sandhya Aarti at the Chittaranjan Park Kali Mandir during Ashtami Puja. He also offered prayers to Goddess Kali, an event locals described as historic.
Among the participants in Sunday’s RSS march was BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, who joined as an ordinary swayamsevak.
According to RSS representatives, the centenary year will feature a series of social and organisational programmes across the country throughout the year.