For the hundreds who gathered for the Ganga Aarti, the experience was akin to Rishikesh, where Dev Deepawali is celebrated with similar splendor. As participants chanted prayers within the 72-year-old Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir, also known as the Bangeswar Mahadev Temple, the atmosphere resonated with devotion and reverence on 15th November, 2024.
This year also the temple committee brings Dev Deepawali to Kolkata for the second time after 2023, aided by the support of Swami Chidanand Saraswati Muni Ji, leader of Paramarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh. Renowned for spreading the spirit of Dev Deepawali, Swami Chidanand Saraswati Muni Ji’s presence embodied a historic moment. The captivating Ganga Aarti, known from Paramarth Niketan in Rishikesh, resonated along the banks of the Ganges at Bandhaghat, Kolkata. The Jalan family built the 61ft statue of Shiva was unveiled in 2015 by then President, the late Pranab Mukherjee. Sudhir Jalan, trustee of the templeand consul general of Greece in Kolkata said, “We are happy to host the Dev Deepawali celebration here, spreading joy and light. The Ganga Aarti led by Swami Chidanand Saraswati Muni Ji was a great experience.”
Swami Chidanand Saraswati Muni Ji’s presence adds to the significance of this moment, marking it as a historic event for our temple and the city.” The Dev Deepawali celebration at Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir, with thousands of diyas illuminating the Ganga River, created a magical ambiance symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The Ganga Aarti, led by Swami Chidanand Saraswati Muni Ji, promised a poignant experience, resonating with the divine energy flowing through the sacred waters of the Ganges.
