Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir, an esteemed temple constructed in 1952 by the revered Jalan family near the sacred Ganges, joyfully hosted its inaugural Dev Deepawali celebration on November 27, 2023. The temple achieved heightened grandeur in 2015 with the unveiling of a towering 61-foot statue of Bhagwan Shiv by the then President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
This year marks a significant milestone as the temple committee brings Dev Deepawali to Kolkata, 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.
Mr. Sudhir Jalan, Trustee of Seth Bansidhar Jalan Smriti Mandir said, “We are thrilled to bring Dev Deepawali to Kolkata, spreading joy and light. 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.