Christmas Eve: Ramakrishna Mission celebrates human values to mark the day

Dilip Guha, New Delhi: The Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission which stand as a unique symbol of harmony of faiths also celebrate this occasion in a befitting manner.

We all know how important Christmas Eve is to the followers of the Christian faith. The occasion is observed in various ways celebrating the advent of Lord Jesus Christ and remembering him as the savior of mankind.

Christmas Eve holds a special place for the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, which celebrate the festival in their unique style. In fact, the celebration is organised at the main temple itself in almost all the branches of the Math and Mission.

The Delhi center has a long tradition in this regard. Every year the Archbishop of Delhi and other dignitaries join the celebration. This year the celebration was held at Vivekananda Auditorium on the mission’s premises in a grand manner.

The festivities match that of any popular Church in the city, complete with Christmas carols, candle lighting, prayers, and offerings of cakes. The temple is decorated beautifully and the photos of baby Jesus and that of Lord Jesus are placed at an altar and worshipped. A monk performs a special Christmas Eve aarti with candles and offers cakes and biscuits to Christ.

Carols are sung followed by short addresses by a monk, the Archbishop of Delhi, and a priest. This year too the Archbishop of Delhi and other dignitaries joined the celebration.

On this occasion, the Commemorative Souvenir to mark the 125th Anniversary of Ramakrishna Mission was released. Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha was the Chief Guest while Shri Bhupendra Kainthola, Principal Director General, Registrar of Newspapers handed over the first copy of the Souvenir to Shri Harivansh. Souvenir is edited by Shri Bhaskar Roy. Earlier Archbishop Couto, Rev Thomas Cheriyan, Vicar General, Mar Thoma Church, Dr. M. D. Thomas, Rabbi Malekar, and Shri A. K. Merchant spoke on the Message of Jesus Christ and Christmas. Swami Sarvalokananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, New Delhi welcomed all those present while Sri Bhaskar Roy read selected passages from the Holy Bible.

Swami Sarvalokanandaji Maharaj, in his inaugural speech, said the birth of Jesus Christ and his life has been an inspiration to humanity to follow the message of love, compassion, and fraternity. Today, when the world finds itself tormented by strife, hatred, and violence, his words and deeds have the power to heal wounds and show the way out.

Ramakrishna Mission a Hindu organization celebrates Christmas Eve because Hinduism is a religion that believes that all dharma is equal, and today is a very important day in the Ramakrishna Mission’s Order as Swami Vivekananda took a vow to serve humanity along with brother disciples on this day.

Christmas is a day of celebration of human values that nurture mutual caring and sharing and transform life itself into a festival.