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In 1897, Swami Vivekananda after his triumphant return from West stayed 9 days at the Vivekanandar Illam from Feb 6 – 14. These 9 days are celebrated as ‘Vivekananda Navaratri’ by Sri Ramakrishna Math and devotees.
Day -1
The first day (Feb 6th) of the Vivekananda Navaratri celebrations 2018 began with the readings from Swami Vivekananda followed by Veda Parayanam chanting by Sri Rudra Parayana Samiti.
Day - 2
The second day (7th Feb) of the Vivekananda Navaratri celebrations 2018 began with the Bhajans by the students of Meenakshi Arts &
Science College. It was followed by reading from Swamiji’s inspiring lectures and chantings by the students of Vivekananda Cultural Centre (VCC). A short speech on Swami Vivekananda was delivered, and short drama on Swamiji and Sister Nivedita were staged by the VCC students. The program ended with the Yoga demonstration by National Champions.
Day - 3
On 3rd Day of Vivekananda Navaratri Celebrations 2018, the newly made Vivekananda Park, sponsored by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) was inaugurated by Sri Thiru Banwarilal Purohit, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu. Just after the inauguration of the park, Hon’ble Governor inaugurated the newly constructed Sister Nivedita Auditorium. Two Ministers of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Chairman & Managing Director and Senior Officials of CPCL also attended the function.
The Hon’ble Governor in his address recalled the impact of Swami Vivekananda in the history of India and praised the vibrant role of the entire Ramakrishna Mission in the social and spiritual fields. The Governor also spoke a few words in Tamil which drew applause from the audience.
Sri S.N. Pandey, Managing Director of CPCL in his address thanked the Math for giving them an opportunity to be a part of the historic Vivekananda House. He expressed happiness that the Vivekananda Park sponsored by them has come out very well and would greatly benefit the visitors to the monument.
Revered Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj in his Benedictory Address recalled the faith Swamiji had reposed in the people especially the youth of the then Madras in the regeneration of our great nation.
At 7.00 pm Nama Sangeerthanam was performed by Bhramashri Vittaldas Maharaj of Govindapuram. The audience experienced the wave of Bhakti, and they were seen dancing gracefully to the rhythm of divine singing.
Day - 4
The fourth Day of Vivekananda Navaratri Function 2018 began with the reading from the lecture of Swami Vivekananda. It was followed by cultural program performed by the students of S.J.N.S.Jain Vidyalaya Matriculation Hr. Secondary School, Triplicane. Swami Satyaprabhanandaji Maharaj, Assistant Secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, T.Nagar delivered a lecture on Swami Vivekananda. There was a talk on “Nivedita on Herself” by the Student of DAV School, Adambakkam, Chennai-88, which was followed by the bhajans. A musical drama was staged by the students, where three yogas (karma, bhakti, and jnana yoga) were beautifully described. The function ended with the closing song by the Brahmacharis of Ramakrishna Math.
Day - 5
Todays (5th Day of Vivekananda Navaratri Function 2018) program began with the Martial Arts, and Mandolin by the Students of Meenakshi Arts & Science College, followed by the reading from the lecture of Swami Vivekananda. Students from Lady Willingdon School performed a cultural program. Swami Paramasukhananda ji Maharaj delivered a talk on “Life of Sister Nivedita”. The program ended with a cultural program of Bhajans, Violin play, and dance performance by the students of Meenakshi Sundar Rajan College.
Day - 6
Todays (6th Day of Vivekananda Navaratri Function 2018) program began with the reading from Lecture of Swami Vivekananda.
Shri Ramsundar Gave a beautiful Violin Music performance. He played Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi, and Swamiji songs. All have enjoyed.
Students from Manikka Manavargal of Nallorvattam, Chennai performed a cultural program.
The program ended with the Spiritual Discourse on “Swami Vivekananda” by Shri Shri Muralidhara Swamigal. He said, “Swamiji was the first person from India who had gone to the foreign land and preached the message of Vedanta to the whole world”. He mentioned that to give regeneration to the Indian Spirituality, Sri Ramakrishna was born in India. Swami Vivekananda learned from him the secret of uprising India to regain its lost glory. Swamiji preached to the humanity that “service to mankind is the service to the Lord” as taught by His Guru.
More than 600 people attended the function.
Day - 7
As per the program of Vivekananda Navaratri celebrations 2018 day-7, there was Rata Yatra or Chariot festival in Pattinappakkam. More than 1000 people offered Pushpanjali and Arati to Swami Vivekananda. Apart from this, there was rangoli competition where 300 people participated. People were immersed in joy.
Day - 8
On the 8th day of Vivekananda Navaratri Celebrations 2018, a decorated chariot of Swami Vivekananda drawn by devotees was taken around in Ramakrishnapuram, a slum in Chennai. More than 1000 common people both young and aged enthusiastically participated in the procession. They offered flowers to Swamiji by chanting “Jai Swami Vivekananda Maharaj ji ki Jai”. Some of them offered fruits, garlands, and did arati to the image of Swami Vivekananda.
Day - 9
The last day of Vivekananda Navaratri Celebrations 2018 began with the Readings from Swami Vivekananda. After the readings, Swami Nilamadhavananda ji Maharaj, a monk of Ramakrishna Math Chennai delivered a short speech on “The significance of Vilakku puja” followed by devotional songs. The program ended with Vilakku puja. To commemorate the 150th Birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita, 150 mothers (women devotees) performed puja to Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi with Kumkum, flowers.