In Nagpur, the RSS commenced its centenary year celebrations with the Vijaya Dashami festival. Mohan Bhagwat paid tribute to Dr. Hedgewar and performed Shastra Pujan. Former President Ram Nath Kovind and several leaders were present at the event.
Maharashtra: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is celebrating its Vijaya Dashami festival with great fervor in Nagpur. This festival is not only a part of the Sangh's tradition but also holds special significance this time, as the RSS is commencing its centenary year celebrations on this very occasion. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, former President Ram Nath Kovind, and many other dignitaries attended the event held at the Nagpur headquarters. Celebrations were also organized at branches across the country on this occasion.
Commencement of RSS Centenary Year
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was founded in 1925 by Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar on the day of Vijaya Dashami. This is why the festival holds special importance for the Sangh. This year's Vijaya Dashami celebration is historical because, with it, the RSS is embarking on its journey of completing its centenary year, i.e., 100 years. The event in Nagpur formally inaugurated the Sangh's campaign to mark 100 years.
Mohan Bhagwat Pays Tribute to Dr. Hedgewar
The program began with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat paying tribute to Dr. Hedgewar. Bowing before the founder, he recalled the Sangh's core ideology and tradition. Former President Dr. Ram Nath Kovind, present as the chief guest on this occasion, also offered his respects. Earlier, Mohan Bhagwat performed the traditional Shastra Pujan (worship of weapons). Following Shastra Pujan, events such as yoga, demonstrations, niyuddha (martial arts), ghosh (band display), and pradakshina (circumambulation) were organized, which are considered special hallmarks of the Sangh's branches.
Many Dignitaries Present on Stage
Several prominent leaders from central and state politics also attended this event in Nagpur. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other senior leaders were present on the occasion. All described the event as historical and lauded the role and traditions of the Sangh. Their presence on stage added further significance to the event.
Vijaya Dashami Celebrated Across the Nation
In addition to the main ceremony in Nagpur, the Vijaya Dashami festival was celebrated at RSS branches across the country. According to the Sangh, currently, over 83,000 branches are operating nationwide, and all branches simultaneously organized this festival. This event is considered a symbol of the RSS's unity and discipline. Traditional programs, yoga, and ghosh (band displays) were organized at the branches.
Establishment of RSS and the Significance of Vijaya Dashami
The foundation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was laid in 1925. At that time, Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar initiated it on the day of Vijaya Dashami. Vijaya Dashami is considered a festival of strength and victory. Against this backdrop, Hedgewar gave birth to the organization, and today, this institution is moving towards completing its 100 years. For the Sangh, Vijaya Dashami is not just a cultural festival but also a symbol of the organization's continuous journey and discipline.
Shastra Pujan and Sangh Traditions
As every year, Shastra Pujan was performed on the occasion of the Vijaya Dashami festival this time as well. This tradition is a crucial part of the Sangh's branches and is considered a symbol of strength, courage, and self-resolve. Following Shastra Pujan, Sangh volunteers demonstrated yoga, exercises, practical drills (pratyakshik), and ghosh (band display). The unity and discipline of the Sangh were showcased through niyuddha (a martial arts-style presentation) and pradakshina (circumambulation).
Former President Ram Nath Kovind as Chief Guest
This year, former President Dr. Ram Nath Kovind attended the Vijaya Dashami festival as the chief guest. His presence further enhanced the dignity of the event. Dr. Kovind paid tribute to RSS founder Dr. Hedgewar and acknowledged the role of the Sangh.
