India celebrates Swami Vivekananda's 153rd birth anniversary

Swamiji's birthday is also celebrated as India's National Youth Day that is commemorated with processions, youth conventions, seminars, yoga, sports, and other cultural activities.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Swami Vivekananda.

"On his birth anniversary, I bow to Swami Vivekananda. He is a personal inspiration, whose thoughts and ideals have influenced me deeply. Swami Vivekananda is revered as one of the most prolific thinkers and a guiding light who took India's message to the entire world," he said in his message.

"Let us pledge to leave no stone unturned to integrate our youth in India's progress and ensure youth-led development across the Nation. Share quotes of Swami Vivekananda and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda that influenced you. I will RT some of them this evening," the Prime Minister said.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banejee also organised for a 3-day “Vivek Chetna Utsav” to mark the Hindu monk's birth anniversary.

"To commemorate the 153rd birthday of Swami Vivekananda on 12th January in a befitting manner, a 3­day “Vivek Chetna Utsav” is being celebrated all over the state," Banerjee said in her Facebook post.

The celebrations started on Saturday, and the first day of the programme was observed as “Khel Dibas”, to promote excellence in sports and games among youth along the ideals of Swamiji

"“Khel Dibas” celebration is first in the country. From now on, every year, 10th January will be celebrated as “Khel Dibas”," Banerjee had declared.

In a colourful programme at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, outstanding sports personalities of Bengal were conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards, “Krira Guru”, “Bisesh Khel Ratna”, “Banglar Gourab” and “Khel Ratna” awards.

Belur Math near Kolkata in Howrah on the banks of the Hooghly river, which is the global headquarters of the Ramkrishna Math and Ramkishna Mission, has also organised a day-long celebration to observe his birth anniversary.

To mark this day and pay homage to the legendary Bengali, several Hindus indulge themselves with special prayers, meditation, devotional songs, religious discourses, yoga performances and short plays across the country.

In Kerala, KPCC is organising various programmes on Monday at the Indira Bhavan.

Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy was scheduled to unveil a statue of Swami Vivekananda after attending the ceremony of offering floral tributes.

The CM will also inaugurate a commemoration meet, with KPCC chief V M Sudheeran in the presidential chair.

The Calcutta born Bengali, who is known globally for his speech at Chicago in 1893 at a religious gathering that began with;"Sisters and Brothers of America,” was the chief disciple of the 19th century mystic Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the founder of the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission.

He is considered as a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the “Western” World, mainly in America and Europe and is also credited with raising interfaith awareness.

Vivekananda is also credited in bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion during the end of the 19th century as well as to introduce Hinduism at the Parliament of the World’s Religions at Chicago in 1893.

On this day, West Bengal state government offices, schools and colleges are observing a holiday.

To mark the occasion, people from different walks of life are hosting processions on road, with youths marching, singing and preaching the wisdom of Swamiji.

Matadors and mini vans are spotted carrying boys and girls decked in the looks and make-ups of Swami Vivekananda, Ramakrishna and Sarada Devi.

Several localities across the city have also organised cultural shows with songs and skits based on his teachings to mark the day.

Saffrons marquees adorned with large photographs of Vivekananda are sported throughout the city.

Several organisations across the country have engaged in various initiatives to celebrate Vivekananda's anniversary.