Howrah, November 5, 2025:
The banks of the sacred Ganga at Howrah glowed with divine brilliance as Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir hosted a grand celebration of Dev Deepawali, marking an evening of spiritual fervor, devotion, and cultural harmony. The temple complex, magnificently decorated with flowers and thousands of shimmering diyas, became a beacon of light and faith for devotees from across the city.
Though Param Pujya Chidanand Muni Saraswati Ji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, could not attend the event in person due to unavoidable reasons, the celebration unfolded with great devotion and enthusiasm. The ceremony was graced by eminent guests including Shri Radhe Shyam G. Goenka, Chairman of Emami Group and Trustee of the temple, Shri Lakshmi Niwas Bangar, and Mrs. Alka Bangar, who joined devotees in offering prayers and participating in the evening rituals.
The festivities commenced with soulful bhajans, kirtans, and a havan conducted by Acharya Dilip Ji of Rishikesh, accompanied by students of the temple’s Sanskrit school. This was followed by an enchanting Vedic chanting session led by Acharya Ram Roop Mishra, Principal of Shanti Devi International Vedic School, alongside ten young Vedic scholars, filling the atmosphere with sacred vibrations.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sudhir Jalan, Chief Trustee of the temple, reflected on the institution’s 72-year-old legacy, saying,
“Our ancestors built this temple to uphold and promote Sanatan Dharma and its timeless values. Over the decades, Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir has evolved into a spiritual and cultural center for devotees in Howrah. The newly constructed Dwadash Jyotirlinga complex allows devotees to experience the divine presence of all twelve Jyotirlingas in one place. The 61-foot statue of Lord Shiva at the Ganga Ghat stands as a magnificent symbol of faith — among the tallest in Eastern India.”
Although unable to attend in person, Swami Chidanand Muni Saraswati Ji addressed the gathering virtually via Zoom, delivering an inspiring message that underscored the importance of spirituality, culture, yoga, and environmental stewardship.
“Ganga is the lifeline of Sanatan Dharma. Protecting her purity and flow safeguards not only our faith but our very existence. To preserve nature is to preserve ourselves,” he said, urging all devotees to uphold Maa Ganga’s sanctity and ensure her continuous flow for future generations.
The evening culminated in a majestic Ganga Aarti, as thousands of devotees lit diyas along the ghats, their chants echoing across the riverbanks. The shimmering lights reflected on the Ganga’s surface, creating a mesmerizing sight of devotion and divine energy.
Now in its third consecutive year, the Dev Deepawali celebration at Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir has emerged as one of Howrah’s most awaited spiritual events. The temple trustees reaffirmed their dedication to continuing this sacred tradition, preserving the eternal light of Sanatan Dharma and the cultural spirit of devotion for generations to come.
