Kolkata: After a gap of two years, hundreds of devotees and followers of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda arrived at Belur Math – the premises of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission – in West Bengal’s Howrah district to participate in the Christmas celebrations. The celebration took place on Saturday late evening. Christmas is traditionally celebrated in the Math.
Swamiji of Belur Math participated in it, the event is considered to be a true reflection of the lesson of equality of all religions preached by Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
According to mission officials, the event was held behind closed doors for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this year with the improvement in the situation the festival was celebrated in its old form with devotees and followers participating with full enthusiasm.
The event is marked by the worship of Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, with Swami ji participating in rituals by lighting lamps, candles, and incense sticks and offering flowers and cakes in front of a giant image.
According to historical records, on a cold winter night in December 1896, Swami Vivekananda was talking to his fellow monks about the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity and exhorted them to follow the path of humanity, service to humanity, and unity. Since then Christmas is celebrated.
