Kolkata, 03 January (H.S.): A series of cultural, intellectual and youth-oriented programmes will be organised in Kolkata to mark Swami Vivekananda Birth Anniversary 2026. The five-day event is being jointly organised by Samskar Bharati, the cultural wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and the Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral Home and Cultural Centre.

The celebrations will begin on January 09 and conclude on January 13, 2026, featuring the Swami Vivekananda Milan Mela, along with discussions, cultural performances, music, theatre and youth interactions inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s life and philosophy.

The inaugural programme will be held on January 09 at 5.30 pm. The opening ceremony will include Vedic chanting under the Swami Vivekananda Pathchakra initiative, followed by discussions on Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts and his contribution to nation-building. Classical music and cultural performances will also be part of the first day.

On January 10, a Youth Conference will be organised at 10.30 am, focusing on the role of youth in society, education, character building and national responsibility. Later in the evening, a seminar on “Swami Vivekananda and National Consciousness” will be held, highlighting his nationalist ideology and social message.

The programme on January 11 will begin at 11 am with a painting competition and a seminar. Speakers will reflect on the inspiration drawn from Swami Vivekananda and the Ramakrishna Order during India’s freedom movement. A cultural evening with music and dance performances will follow.

January 12, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, will witness special events starting from 5.30 am. The day will be dedicated to messages of peace, service and nation-building. A special cultural programme and felicitation ceremony will be organised in the evening.

The celebrations will conclude on January 13 at 5.30 pm with a closing ceremony featuring music, theatre and presentations based on Swami Vivekananda’s teachings.

As part of the birth anniversary celebrations, a special programme marking Swami Vivekananda’s birth date will be held on January 10 at 10 am at the Pathchakra Bhavan. On January 12, a Swami Vivekananda Smaran Padayatra will be organised at 9 am on the occasion of National Youth Day, starting from Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral home.

Organisers said the objective of the event is to take Swami Vivekananda’s ideas to the younger generation and inspire them towards national service, humanity and self-confidence. Through the Swami Vivekananda Milan Mela, Kolkata is set to once again witness a vibrant reflection of Swami Vivekananda’s timeless ideals.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh