From 24th to 26th January, Basant Panchami was celebrated at Yajnashala. Swami Niranjan spoke on the life and teaching of Sri Swami Satyananda, on his vision that continues to inspire all seekers. He explained that new Satyam Setu, Satyam’s Bridge, is a symbol of Sri Swamiji’s dedication to the mandate of his Guru, Sri Swami Sivananda, and the mission he set out to accomplish.
On 18th February, Sivaratri was celebrated at Shivalaya temple where the children of Bal Yoga Mitra Mandal conducted havan, sang kirtan and enacted the wedding of Shiva and Parvati. In the evening, havan was conducted at Akhara to the chanting of stotras. Swami Niranjan explained the significance of this day as a breakthrough of human consciousness.
On 8th March, Holi was celebrated at Yajnashala. Swamiji spoke on the meaning of colours which represent the happiness and joy of life. Residents, students and guests offered colours to Sri Swamiji’s paduka and then received their own colouring to the sound of stotras and kirtan.
Mahamantra aradhana
On 18th April, Swami Niranjanananda initiated a sadhana for the residents, guests and students of Ganga Darshan to commemorate the day when Sri Swamiji met his Guru, Swami Sivananda, for the first time. It was the day when the seed for our tradition was planted. After pooja to Swami Sivananda and Sri Swamiji, Swami Niranjan spoke on the significance of this moment and explained that throughout the centenary year, the Mahamantra will be chanted in Jyoti Mandir as an offering, to the Gurus of our tradition. Swamis at Ganga Darshan began the chanting and all present joined wholeheartedly aware of the special occasion.
On 5th May, Buddha Poornima was observed at Yajnashala with havan and the chanting of Sundarkand and stotras. On the occasion, all present remembered the birthday of Swami Dharmashakti, Sri Swamiji’s first disciple.
On 21st June, the International Day of Yoga was observed with the special Bihar School of Yoga sadhana. All residents, guests and training participants took part. Swami Vijayashakti conducted the session at Ganga Darshan and Swami Yogakanti at Paduka Darshan.
Throughout India and around the world, this day was an occasion to bring the message of yoga to all sectors of society and inspire participants to live a yogic lifestyle.
From 1st to 3rd July, the Guru Yajna and Guru Poornima program was conducted at Paduka Darshan. This year’s celebration also coincided with the culmination of Satyam Charitra which was conducted since 19th June. Swami Niranjan spoke on the life of Swami Sivananda and on the unique meaning of shivam and satyam in the life of every spiritual devotee. The program was live streamed and devotees from around the world were able to be part of the dedication offered to the gurus.
On 12th November, Diwali was celebrated at Ganga Darshan. The songs, dances, a crystal ball presentation and the fire dance were all illustrating the teachings of Sri Swami Satyananda.
From 29th to 31st December, Satyam Poornima was conducted at Paduka Darshan. Vedic chanting was conducted in both Ganga Darshan and Paduka Darshan during this period to commemorate the event.
On 24th and 25th December, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were celebrated with the singing of carols and kirtan.
On 31st December, at the culmination of Satyam Poornima, the Year End program took place with Guru Pooja at Chhaya Samadhi and the lighting of jyotis throughout the ashram.