New Delhi: The festival of Vijayadashami is being celebrated across the country today, with the festive spirit evident since this morning. Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) held its Vijayadashami celebration marking the beginning of its centenary year along with a Shastra Pujan (worship of weapons) ceremony in Nagpur. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat performed the Shastra Pujan at the event.
The Shastra Pujan is a long-standing tradition within the Sangh on the occasion of Dussehra, and it was in keeping with this custom that the ceremony was conducted in Nagpur. During the event, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat shared his detailed perspectives, noting that “whenever we have become divided, we have grown weak.” In his address, he also made a reference to Rajnarayan Basu.
What Bhagwat said at the Vijayadashami event
Addressing the gathering, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat mentioned Rajnarayan Basu, noting that this year marks the 200th anniversary of his birth. He explained that Basu had initiated the ‘Hindu Mela’—a series of indigenous (swadeshi) fairs—to raise awareness among the people about their own culture and identity, particularly at a time when the nation was facing foreign invasions.
During the RSS Vijayadashami celebration, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat also spoke at length about the contributions of Saint Ravidas. He recalled that when the country was enduring attacks from foreign invaders and the population was suffering under oppression—creating an atmosphere of pervasive fear Saint Ravidas propagated a message of devotion, social harmony, and steadfast commitment to one’s own dharma (righteous path/faith).
RSS has been strengthening culture for 100 years: Bhagwat
Speaking at the event, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that for the past 100 years, the RSS has been working to organise and strengthen India based on its own unique identity, culture, and traditions. Bhagwat also spoke extensively on the importance of adopting swadeshi (indigenous) principles. Furthermore, he outlined five key changes that are being emphasised as the Sangh approaches its centenary year.
These include fostering a strong sense of identity and promoting the adoption of indigenous (swadeshi) products. On the occasion of Dussehra, the RSS organises path sanchalan (march-past) events across the country. This tradition, which has been observed since the very inception of the Sangh, reflects both its organisational strength and its cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, before the shastra puja (worship of weapons), Mohan Bhagwat offered floral tributes at the statue of the Sangh’s founder, Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, at the Smriti Mandir (memorial shrine). It is noteworthy that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in Nagpur on the day of Dussehra in 1925 by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
