The Vivekananda Navaratri celebrations commenced with great devotion and spiritual fervour on Friday, 6th February 2026, at Vivekananda Illam, Chennai. The inaugural function was conducted from 5.00 pm to 8.30 pm in a serene and uplifting atmosphere with the participation of devotees, students, and invited guests.
The evening began with soulful bhajans rendered by the students of SRKM Vivekananda Centenary Girls’ Higher Secondary School, Mint, Chennai. This was followed by Vedic chanting, ceremonial lighting of the lamp, and arati, invoking divine blessings for the successful conduct of the Navaratri celebrations.
An opening song on Swami Shankaratmananda set a devotional tone for the event. The welcome address was delivered by Swami Raghunayakananda, Manager, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, who warmly greeted the gathering and highlighted the significance of Vivekananda Navaratri.
Distinguished guests were honoured during the function. The Guest of Honour, Sri Ganesh, Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, Southern Railway, delivered an address emphasizing spiritual values in modern life. Felicitation addresses were offered by eminent dignitaries including Philanthropist Padmabhushan K. Nalli Kuppusamy Chetti, Sri K. Ramaswamy (Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai), and Sri S. Varadarajan (Ex-Chairman, Bharat Petroleum).
A special highlight of the evening was the Chief Guest address on “Swami Vivekananda’s Patriotism” delivered in Tamil by Justice Sri G. R. Swaminathan, Judge, High Court of Madras (Madurai Bench). His talk deeply inspired the audience by connecting Swami Vivekananda’s ideals with national character and service.
The programme concluded with benediction by Swami Satyananandaji, Adhyaksha, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, followed by the vote of thanks proposed by Swami Ishapremananda, In-charge, Vivekananda House.
The day’s events ended on a melodious note with the music concert “Naadha Prajna” by Sri Divakar & Group, which captivated the audience and brought the inaugural evening to a spiritually elevating close.