Celebration of Kolkata Pratyavartan Diwas: Honoring Swami Vivekananda’s Return
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Synopsis
Eastern Railway celebrated Kolkata Pratyavartan Diwas, honoring Swami Vivekananda’s historic return to Kolkata in 1897 after extensive travels. The event included a special train and highlighted the significance of his arrival.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata Pratyavartan Diwas commemorates Swami Vivekananda's return.
- His significant speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago.
- Budge Budge served as a key docking point for his return.
- Over 20,000 people welcomed him at Sealdah station.
- A special flower-decked train was run to mark the occasion.
Kolkata, Feb 19 (NationPress) Eastern Railway (ER) commemorated Kolkata Pratyavartan Diwas on Wednesday, highlighting the momentous return of Swami Vivekananda to the city in 1897 following his travels to China, Japan, and the United States.
During this journey, Swami Vivekananda participated in the Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he delivered his renowned address.
“We observe this day annually to ensure that the youth learn about this remarkable figure. While his Chicago visit and speech are well-known, few realize the events of February 19, 1897, the day after his arrival at the Budge Budge jetty via a vessel from Madras (now Chennai),” stated the ER spokesperson.
Budge Budge is situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, approximately 16 km from Kolkata by rail. At that time, many vessels docked at Budge Budge instead of proceeding directly to Kolkata.
“Swami Vivekananda was not in great health after his extensive travels abroad. Consequently, upon boarding the ship in Madras for the final leg of his journey, his supporters loaded an abundance of tender green coconuts onto the ship. Physicians had advised him to consume coconut water to avoid potentially contaminated regular water. However, the esteemed leader chose to share the coconuts with fellow passengers and friends on board, addressing them on several occasions,” he mentioned.
The spokesperson further noted that the Maharaja of Darbhanga had established a reception committee to welcome Swami Vivekananda in Kolkata.
“This committee arranged for a special train to transport him from Budge Budge to Sealdah station in Kolkata the day after his arrival,” he added.
He continued that the train was prepared, and Swamiji boarded it with his followers. As news of his return spread, over 20,000 people gathered outside Sealdah station to welcome him.
“The uproar that erupted upon the announcement of the train’s arrival sounded almost like a roar. People assembled as he disembarked from the train, seeking his blessings. The committee had arranged for a horse-drawn carriage to take Swamiji through the city. However, as he climbed into the carriage, some students unhitched the horses and took their turns to drive him around the city,” the spokesperson added.
As in previous years, ER operated a special flower-adorned train from Budge Budge to Sealdah on Wednesday.
The train departed Budge Budge at 11.05 am and arrived at Sealdah at 12.10 pm, making stops at all stations along the route.
