Swami Vivekananda was an Indian Hindu monk. He was a key figure in the introduction of the Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the western world. The 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda (12 January 2013) was celebrated all over India and in different countries of the world. Year-long events and programs were organized by different branches of Ramakrishna Math, Ramakrishna Mission, central government and different state governments of India, education institutions, youth groups etc. Bengali film director Tutu (Utpal) Sinha made a film The Light: Swami Vivekananda as a tribute to Swami Vivekananda on his 150th birth anniversary. The movie was released on 23 August 2013.

Swami Vivekananda was always seen wearing orange and white colour clothing. Orange symbolizes emotions such as warmth, joy, enthusiasm and happiness and white is a statement for peace. He was associated with the youthful and young energy and the colour of his clothes reflected the same.

The Government of India in the year, 1984 decided to celebrate the birthday of great Swami Vivekananda i.e. 12th January as a National Youth Day every year. As the Government of India had quoted and realized that ‘ the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian Youth.’

The National Youth Day is observed all over India at schools and colleges, with processions, speeches, recitations, music, youth conventions, seminars, Yogasanas, presentations, competitions in essay-writing, recitations and sports on 12 January every year.

Swami Vivekananda’s lectures and writings, deriving their inspiration from Indian spiritual tradition and the broad outlook of his Master Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, are the source of inspiration and have motivated numerous youth organizations, study circles and service projects involving the youth.

Last year i.e. the 155th Birthday Tithi Puja of Swami Vivekananda was celebrated in the Temple of the Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi, on Thursday, the 19th January 2017.

The day started with Sehnai recital at 4.30 a.m. when the gates of the temple were opened for devotees. At 5.00 a.m. with the blowing of the conch shell, the mangalarati started. After the Aarti was over, Vedic chanting was done by monastics of the Order.

Br. Madhurachaitanyaji did the Special Puja under the guidance of Swami Amritapurnanandaji. Swami Swasamvedyanandaji Maharaj simultaneously did Chandipath and a few devotional songs were rendered on Swamiji when puja started. Afterwards khichuri prasad was distributed to people and about 100 persons including monastics, volunteers and devotees took prasad sitting in the dining hall.

Every year Swami Vivekananda Jayanti or the National Youth Day is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. The celebrated events are a perfect blend of spiritual and fun filled activities. And it is always looked forward to as it was in the honour of a very great man who still resides in all of our hearts.