The Christmas celebrations at the Sri Ramakrishna Mission are vibrant and steeped in spiritual significance, reflecting the organization’s inclusive philosophy. The festivities typically include a series of rituals and activities that honor the birth of Jesus Christ and the broader spiritual teachings that resonate with the mission’s ethos.
The main temple at Belur Math is beautifully adorned, featuring images of Jesus placed on altars alongside traditional Hindu deities. This symbolizes the mission’s commitment to universal spirituality. During the celebrations, special prayers and readings from the Bible are conducted in both English and Bengali, emphasizing the shared values of compassion and service.
As part of the rituals, cakes, fruits, and candies are offered in front of Jesus’ image. This practice not only celebrates the occasion but also fosters a sense of community among participants.
The Ramakrishna Mission’s celebration of Christmas has deep roots and was initiated by Swami Vivekananda. He viewed Jesus as an Avatara (divine incarnation), and his teachings encouraged recognizing the spiritual significance of all religions. This perspective allows for a unique interpretation of Christmas that transcends denominational boundaries.
The mission highlights themes of love, compassion, and service that are central to both Christianity and Hinduism. By framing Christmas within this broader context of human values, they aim to reclaim the festival’s significance beyond its historical ties to Christianity
The celebrations are not limited to India; Ramakrishna monasteries worldwide engage in similar observances, reflecting a global commitment to fostering unity through shared spiritual practices.
( Photo: The Christmas celebrations at Ramakrishna Mission Guwahati. )
