The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) celebrates six major festivals each year with great enthusiasm, all of which are deeply rooted in Hindu religion and culture. One of the most significant events for the RSS is Rakshabandhan, which will be observed on August 19.
How do these festivals help the Sangh?
Organising these festivals helps the RSS expand its base. Festivals are usually celebrated at the branch level.“Once the branch decides to celebrate the festival, it helps showcase the ideology and work of the RSS to the local community. This helps bring the local community closer to the Sangh. Thus, these festivals play an important role in creating a conducive environment for the expansion of the RSS.
Brief description of these festivals of the Sangh
1. Vijayadashami Festival: Though all festivals are equally important for the volunteers, this festival holds a special place in their hearts as the RSS was founded on the day of Vijayadashami (27 September 1925).
According to the Hindu calendar, Vijayadashami falls on a different day every year. The festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated in almost every part of the country.
According to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas’ 14-year exile ended on this day. They worshipped their weapons. In the Hindi belt, this ceremony is called Shastra-Pujan. RSS volunteers perform a symbolic ceremony of Shastra-Pujan on this day. Its aim is to develop the qualities of bravery and valour in the volunteers.
This festival is linked to the rich cultural history of India. There are many ancient stories, tales and legends associated with it. However, the message of all of them is the same: “The victory of good over evil.”
It is a tradition in the RSS that the Sarsanghchalak delivers a public speech on this day at a function in Nagpur attended by thousands of RSS volunteers.
2. Makar Sankranti: This is one of the most important Hindu festivals. It is celebrated in the month of Magh (January). On this day, the sun starts rising towards the North. This movement is also known as Uttarayan. This festival marks the beginning of the sun’s journey to the northern hemisphere (Makar Rashi).
RSS celebrates it as a festival for many reasons. It is the time period that symbolises the journey from darkness to light, from untruth to truth, and from death to nectar. On this auspicious day, Indians take holy baths in rivers.
Historically, this festival is associated with many important events. After the daily routine in RSS branches, a mixture of sesame and jaggery is distributed among the volunteers. Senior RSS functionaries give lectures in branches about the importance of this age-old festival for the society. Many times, many branches get together to celebrate it together.
The Sangh Utsav states, “This is the time when volunteers should think about what they have done individually for the country. A new beginning should be made on this occasion and… volunteers should take a pledge that they will work selflessly for the welfare of the society.”
3. Varsha Pratipada Mahotsav: The RSS celebrates it as the Hindu New Year. According to traditional Indian knowledge and scriptures, Bhagwan Brahma started the creation of the universe on this particular day. There are many important events associated with this day. Emperor Vikramaditya defeated the Shaka invaders. They were forced to flee from India. Therefore, a new Hindu calendar was started on this day, called Vikrami Samvat.
Bhagwan Ram is believed to have been coronated as the king of Ayodhya on this day. Also, Maharishi Dayanand, one of India’s greatest modern-era reformers, founded the Arya Samaj on this day.
The Sangh Utsav states, “This festival marks the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year. So it is a time to review the work of the past year and plan for the coming year.”
On this day, volunteers wear full RSS uniforms. Before hoisting the saffron flag, a special salute called ‘Aadya Sarsanghchalak Pranam’ is given in memory of the RSS founder. Wherever possible, RSS bands play ‘Ghosh’. On this occasion, many RSS branches often come together and competitions are held. On this day, prominent RSS officials give intellectual discourses. Sometimes, a prominent person from the society is also invited as the chief guest.
4. Hindu Empire Day: This festival is different from the rest of the festivals celebrated by the RSS. According to the Sangh Utsav, “While the rest of the festivals celebrated by the RSS are also celebrated by common people outside the RSS, this is the only festival that is not generally celebrated in society at large. In fact, many people are not even aware that a historical event happened that should be celebrated.”
This festival commemorates the coronation of Maratha warrior and king Chhatrapati Shivaji. He was crowned on May 19, 1674. With this coronation, a Hindu empire officially came into existence as Shivaji declared: “Hindu self-rule should be established, this is the will of God… This kingdom is not of Shivaji but of Dharma.”
This festival is celebrated by worshipping the pictures of Shivaji and his guru Samarth Ramdas in RSS shakhas. On this occasion, the famous letter written by Shivaji to Rajput king Jai Singh is also read out. The letter called upon the Rajput warrior not to shed the blood of Hindus for the Mughals. He was inspired to join Shivaji for the great cause.
5. Guru Purnima: In Hinduism, the place of Guru is considered even above God. This festival is an occasion to express gratitude to the Guru for showing the right way to live life and imparting knowledge. In RSS, the saffron flag is considered as Guru. On this day, volunteers worship the saffron flag.
This festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha. This day is also known as Ashadhi Purnima. Volunteers usually wear white clothes (preferably traditional Indian attire like dhoti-kurta or kurta-pyjama) and a black RSS cap on this occasion and worship the saffron flag by offering flowers. This is followed by intellectual discourses on the importance of guru in life. Volunteers are reminded why RSS chose the saffron flag instead of a person as guru.
6. Raksha Bandhan: This is a very popular festival in India. Celebrated by almost all communities and religions. Sisters tie a thread called Rakhi on their brother’s wrist as a symbol of commitment to protect. This festival is also going to be held on August 19.
There are many historical events and stories associated with this festival. RSS volunteers celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying a Rakhi on each other’s wrists, which symbolises their commitment to protect each other and stand by each other no matter what the circumstances. This helps strengthen the feeling of brotherhood among the volunteers.
Over the past several decades, the RSS has carried forward this program in a very interesting way. After tying the holy thread to each other, the volunteers go to the nearby slums and tie Rakhi to the people living there.
