Onam Celebration at VKV Kanyakumari

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu Prant), celebrated Onam on 4th September 2025 with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour. Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala, marks the homecoming of the noble King Mahabali and symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and gratitude for nature’s abundance. It is a time when people come together in joy and unity, celebrating with traditional games, songs, and floral decorations.

The students of Class XI beautifully decorated the school premises with vibrant Athapoo Kolam, creating a festive atmosphere.

A student from Class VII portrayed the legendary King Mahabali, bringing alive the spirit and essence of the festival. A total of 1,230 participants took part in the celebration, which reflected the values of unity, joy, and tradition, fostering cultural awareness among the students.

Teachers’ Day Celebration at Mysore

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Karnataka Prant, Mysore Branch celebrated Teachers’ Day at the Kendra Karyalaya in Mysore on September 5, 2025. The program was attended by 20 participants, including students of Vasati Nilaya, computer class students, and teachers.

The program began with Omkara and Sahanavavatu chanting, anchored by Shri Nishanth. Shri Mahadevaswamy welcomed the gathering, followed by a Guru Bhajan presented by Ms. Sowmya Didi. Smt. Bhagya didi delivered a speech on the importance of teachers, and Smt. Meena Didi, Anandalaya teacher, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Shri Shreyas delivered the vote of thanks.

The celebration concluded with the chanting of the Shanti Mantra and the Kendra Prarthana, marking a reverent and meaningful tribute to teachers.

Grand Thiruvilakku Puja at Rameswaram Temple

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Ramanathapuram District, Thiruppullani branch, organised a majestic Thiruvilakku Puja (Deepa Puja) on 3rd September 2025, at the historic Arulmigu Sri Parvathavardhini Sametha Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram.

The event began with the lighting of the Thiruvilakku (sacred lamp) by Mananeeya Shri. Hanumantharao ji, All India Vice President of Vivekananda Rock Memorial & Vivekananda Kendra (VRM & VK), along with Dr. Niraimathi Manoj Kumar and respected officers from the police department.

Following this, Kum. Naga Jyothi, Senior Social Worker, welcomed the gathering with a heartfelt address. The divine atmosphere was further elevated when Mananeeya Shri. Hanumantharao ji offered his aasirvachan (blessings). Adarneeya Shri. Ayyappan Anna, Sah Prant Sangatak – Tamil Nadu and Prakalp Sangatak – RDP, also addressed the devotees and inspired them with his words.

The grandeur of the puja was marked by the participation of over 2007 women, hailing not just from Ramanathapuram district but also from many other southern districts. With deep devotion, they lit lamps in unison inside the third corridor of the sacred temple, creating a spectacular sight of radiance and faith.

Devotees collectively prayed for the prosperity of the nation, the preservation of India’s cultural heritage, the welfare of the world, and the survival of humanity.

The arrangements for the ceremony were shouldered by the dedicated Kendra sisters Kum. Naga Jyothi Akka, Smt. Vijayarani Akka, Smt. Bhagyalakshmi Akka, and Kum. Saraswathi Akka, Coordinator of Green Rameswaram, VK Nardep, along with a team of Kendra well-wishers and volunteers, ensuring the smooth and devotional conduct of the event.

VKRDP Organised Grand Thiruvilakku Puja at Kommadikottai

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Prant, Rural Development Programme (VKRDP), Vallioor Branch, organised a grand Thiruvilakku Puja (Deepa Puja) at Sri Valaiguruswami Temple – Balashethram, Kommadikottai, on 2nd September 2025.

The auspicious event commenced with the lighting of the mother lamp, symbolising the beginning of the puja. The honour of inaugurating the ceremony was carried out by Smt. Kanaga Ponmalar, Smt. Swarna Kala Devi, Smt. Lakshmibai (Samugrangapuram), Smt. Kalavathy (Usarathukudieruppu), and Smt. Vaanila (Vallioor).

The occasion was further blessed by the revered presence of All India Adhikaris of Vivekananda Kendra. Mananeeya Shri Bhanudas ji, All India General Secretary of VRM & VK, offered the Aasirvachan (benedictory address), while Mananeeya Shri Hanumantharao ji, All India Vice President of VRM & VK, extended his blessings to the gathering.

Adding to the inspiration of the day, Smt. Janaki Pushpam, Tirunelveli District Incharge of VKRDP, and Smt. Vaanila, Professor at T.D.M.N.S College, T.Kallikuzham, addressed the devotees, stressing the significance of cultural awakening and the role of women in preserving spiritual traditions.

Shiksharthis undergoing training at Kanyakumari also joined the ceremony. The highlight of the cultural segment was a conversational drama titled “Wake up Hindus”, presented by the Kendra Sisters, which drew enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.

The puja rituals were meticulously conducted by Kendra sisters Smt. Deivanai, Smt. Lalitha, and Smt. Raji. With devotion and discipline, 501 women from 30 villages participated, offering prayers for the welfare of the nation, the prosperity of culture, and world peace.

The programme was well coordinated by Shri Shanmugabharathy ji along with dedicated RDP Vallioor branch volunteers, ensuring smooth execution and active community participation.

Six-Day Yoga Workshop at Lucknow

Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Uttar Pradesh Prant, Lucknow Vibhag, Lucknow Branch, in collaboration with L&T Pvt. Ltd., Uttar Pradesh, organized a six-day Yoga Workshop from 1st to 6th September 2025 at Hotel Golden Blossom Imperial Resort, Faizabad Road, Lucknow. A total of 30 people attended the workshop.

The sessions were conducted daily from 6:00 am to 7:30 am with active participation from employees and guests. The instructors were Shri Atul Gabhane, Shri Sunil Bisht, and Dr. Shila Mishra. The programme aimed to promote the “Yoga way of life based on the vision of Oneness” while enhancing relaxation, flexibility, and strength through structured yoga practices.

Each day’s workshop included loosening and breathing exercises, jogging, stretches, and kriyas, followed by asanas in standing, seated, prone, and supine positions such as Ardhakatichakrasan, Vajrasan, Bhujangasan, Shalabhasan, and Setubandhasan. Pranayama practices including Kapalbhati, Bhastrika, Nadi Shuddhi, Sectional Breathing, and Bhramari were taught along with Suryanamaskar to improve flexibility and energy. The concept of yoga was explained through definitions, principles, and the philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga, enabling participants to connect with both practice and theory.

Participants reported significant relaxation, stress relief, and improved focus during the six days. The instructors ensured correct posture and safe practice by offering adjustments wherever required. Many highlighted meditation as a deeply beneficial aspect of the workshop, and several shared that they felt liberated from both physical and mental stress. The feedback reflected enthusiasm to adopt yoga as a daily routine and to extend such programmes to benefit a wider community.

Individual experiences highlighted the transformative impact of the workshop. One participant expressed that it was an eye-opener and a motivation to cultivate yoga as a habit, while another shared that regular practice clarified the true significance of yoga in life. Participants also reported higher energy throughout the day and better focus in their professional training sessions.

The six-day workshop concluded successfully with participants feeling rejuvenated and expressing eagerness for future programmes. The event fostered a sense of community, wellness, and mindfulness in alignment with the vision of Vivekananda Kendra.