Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902 C.E.) was a Hindu monk and a well-known patriotic saint of India. Swamiji was born on 12th January 1863 in an aristocratic Bengali family of Calcutta. According to Hindu calendar, Vivekananda was born on Krishna Paksha Saptami after 7 days of Paush Purnima. His birthday is also celebrated according to the Hindu calendar and this day is known as Swami Vivekanand Jayanti.

 

Swamiji's Birth Anniversary

Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is also called Swami Vivekananda Jayanti. This day is also observed as National Youth Day since 1984. The government says that "the philosophy of Swamiji and the ideals for which he lived and worked could be a great source of inspiration for the Indian youth". It is the main reason that Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary is being celebrated as National Youth Day. Swami Jis thought-provoking lectures, writings, and quotes have been a subject of study and a great source of motivation for the youth.  

Swami Vivekananda & His Childhood

Swami Vivekananda was interested in spirituality from a young age and started meditating early in his life. Vivekananda was a voracious reader and used to read a wide range of subjects such as philosophy, history, religion, art, social science, and literature. He also studied Hindu scriptures and was an all-rounder. Swamiji was not only good in studies but was also trained in Indian classical music and a good sportsperson too.

 

Swamiji's Role in Indian history

He played an important role in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and yoga to the western world and after his 1893 speech at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, he was called the "Messenger of Indian wisdom to the western world". He is seen as a major force in bringing Hinduism to the status of major world religion in the late 19th century.  

Swami Vivekananda represented India and Hinduism at the 1893 World Parliament of Religions. It was at that time and following that he became an inspiration to much of Indias youth and had a great influence on the West and other parts of the world. The date of the holiday honoring Swamiji is celebrated as the Swami Vivekanand Jayanti.

 

How is Swami Vivekanand Jayanti celebrated?

On National Youth Day, special events are held all over India, especially at educational institutions. This day is celebrated across India in schools and colleges and programmes like processions, speeches, recitations, music, youth conventions, seminars, sports competitions are held on this day. You will see parades, musical performances, speeches, writing competitions and sports matches along with many other things. There are also special youth groups which are devoted to studying the writings and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda which will hold events in his honor on this day. Finally, look for the annual National Youth Festival to pay homage to the swamis legacy.  

Swami Vivekananda Jayanti is a day to remember and learn from the man who did more than any other to spread the ideas of Hinduism, especially among the worlds youth. We at Askganesha wish you a Very Happy Vivekanand Jayanti.