Kalimpong Hosts Nine-Day World Peace Gyan Mahayagya at Tari Village, Spiritual Leaders Emphasize Harmony
Kalimpong, February 23 2026: A nine-day spiritual programme dedicated to the theme of global harmony and collective well-being began this week at Tari village in the Bong settlement area of Kalimpong district. The World Peace Gyan Mahayagya, organised with the participation of several local organisations, opened with a ceremonial Kalash Yatra that drew residents from nearby villages and community groups.
The event seeks to promote spiritual reflection, ethical living, and community unity through discourses based on the Ramayana tradition and other devotional teachings. Organisers say the initiative aims to create a space where faith-based values can contribute to peace and social awareness at a time when communities are seeking greater cohesion.
Ceremonial Kalash Yatra Marks Opening Day
The inaugural day began with a Kalash Yatra, a traditional procession symbolising purity and spiritual awakening. Participants carried sacred vessels as the procession moved from the main pandal through nearby monasteries and temples before returning to the venue.
Following the yatra, ritual worship at the pandal and the installation of the Vyasasan — the sacred seat from which spiritual discourses are delivered — were completed in accordance with established religious customs. The ceremony concluded with blessings from spiritual elder Mother Radhika Dasiji, who extended her good wishes to the main discourse speaker, Devi Kriti Kishoriji.
Residents described the turnout as significant, with families, youth groups, and representatives of various social organisations joining the procession. Local organisers said the strong participation reflected Kalimpong’s tradition of inter-community engagement during cultural and religious gatherings.
Daily Ram Katha Discourses
The central feature of the Mahayagya is the daily Ram Katha discourse, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the nine-day event. The narrative sessions are being delivered by Devi Kriti Kishoriji, a children’s story writer from Kalimpong known for presenting spiritual teachings in accessible language.
The Ram Katha tradition draws from the epic Ramayana, focusing on themes of righteousness, duty, compassion, and devotion. Organisers explained that the objective is not merely ritual observance but also moral reflection and social learning.
Pandit Ratnaprasad Koirala is also participating in the programme by reciting foundational passages from the Ramcharitmanas, the devotional text composed by Tulsidas that remains central to Ramayana-based worship in many parts of India and Nepal.
Spiritual scholars from different regions are expected to join on selected days to deliver additional discourses, offering diverse perspectives on faith, ethics, and peaceful coexistence.
Community Participation and Local Support
According to organising committee member Ganesh Sapkota, the event has received cooperation from multiple community bodies and social organisations in Kalimpong. He stated that the aim is to make the Mahayagya inclusive and accessible to people of all backgrounds.
The editor of an environmental awareness initiative in the region also appealed to residents to attend the programme, noting that such gatherings can strengthen social bonds and collective responsibility.
Kalimpong, known for its cultural diversity and spiritual heritage, frequently hosts interfaith and community events. Observers say initiatives like the World Peace Gyan Mahayagya reflect the district’s long-standing tradition of blending devotional practice with community engagement.
Spiritual Programmes and Social Harmony
Religious scholars note that Mahayagya events traditionally combine prayer, recitation, and public discourse with a broader social message. In many regions, such programmes are used to encourage charitable activities, environmental awareness, and youth engagement.
In Kalimpong’s case, organisers emphasise that the theme of “world peace” is intended to inspire individuals to adopt values of tolerance and service in daily life. They stress that the programme is open to all and aims to promote harmony rather than division.
Participants attending the initial sessions described the atmosphere as devotional yet community-oriented. Volunteers have been coordinating seating, hospitality, and logistical arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the nine-day schedule.
Cultural Significance for Kalimpong
Kalimpong district has historically been a meeting point of diverse communities and faith traditions. Public religious gatherings often serve as platforms for reinforcing shared cultural identity while respecting pluralism.
Local historians point out that spiritual storytelling traditions, including Ram Katha, have played a role in transmitting ethical teachings across generations. By hosting a nine-day discourse series, the organisers hope to engage both elders and youth in reflective dialogue.
For younger attendees, particularly students, exposure to narrative-based teachings can offer moral frameworks that complement formal education. Meanwhile, elders view such programmes as opportunities for collective prayer and remembrance.
Looking Ahead
The World Peace Gyan Mahayagya will continue over the coming days with daily discourses and devotional activities. Organisers expect attendance to grow as word spreads across neighbouring settlements.
While primarily a spiritual event, the programme underscores Kalimpong’s continuing emphasis on community participation and peaceful coexistence. As the district navigates contemporary social and economic challenges, such gatherings offer residents a platform to reaffirm shared values.
The concluding day is expected to feature special prayers and community blessings. Organisers say the broader goal is to ensure that the message of harmony extends beyond the pandal and into everyday life.
